Plebe Summer is a demanding, fast paced orientation that begins four years of preparation for commissioning as naval officers. Physical and mental demands upon the plebes' time seem never ending, but they all have a purpose: the development of leadership ability, motivation, moral strength, physical skills, and stamina. These are the attributes of any outstanding offcier in the Navy or Marine Corps.

The First day of Plebe Summer, Induction Day (I-Day), begins as prospective candidates report to the Academy's Alumni Hall. There they meet their upperclass company commanders, selected first class (senior) and second class (junior) midshipmen, and the commissioned officers who supervise the Plebe Summer training program. They also meet hteir classmates, many of whom will become close friends by the summer's end.

During the induction process, plebes cycle through medical examinations, uniform fittings, and equipment issue. They get their first plebe haircuts and fill out forms and more forms.

Twelve hours after they first arrive at the Academy, they assemble for the oath of office ceremony. With anxiety, fatigue and great pride, they new midshipmen pledge to "well and faithfully dishcarge the duties of the office on which they are about to enter."

Plebes are assigned to military units comprising the Fourth Class Regiment. The regiment consists of two battalions, Port and Starboard. The Starboard Battalion has eight companies and the Port Battalion has seven. Each company has two numbured platoons. Each platoon has four squads with about 10-12 plebes per squad. There are 120 squads, the base unit during Plebe Summer.

As the summer progresses, the new midshipmen rapidly assimilate basic skills in seamanship, navigation, and signaling. Infantry drill, shooting of 9mm pistols, and M-16 rifles, sailing and handling of Yard Patrol craft all contribute to making each midshipman a proudly versatile individual. The vast majority of Plebes earn Navy markmanship awards in firearms.

A vigorous physical conditioning program, including calisthenics, running, pull-ups, sit-ups, swimming, wrestling, and boxing takes up only a small part of the daily (five days a week) regimen. Team spirit and the desire to win are developed through competition in activities ranging from athletics to dress parades and seamanship drills.

Plebes also receive instruction and indoctrination in the Brigade of Midshipman's Honor Concept. The character development program stresses that each individual has the moral courage and the desire to do the right thing because it is right not from a fear of punishment. There will also be additional training for plebe in human relationships and concepts of equal opportunity.

One of the most memorable highlights of Plebe Summer is the "Squad Combat Course." This event includes obstacle courses as well as rafting. The emphasis is always on "the team."