How does the Naval Academy assign companies?

I'm curious about how company assignments work at the Naval Academy. Is it random or based on specific criteria? How does this affect daily life and future opportunities at the academy?

At the United States Naval Academy (USNA), upon Plebe Summer (the summer training program that all incoming students, known as plebes, go through), students are initially assigned to companies, with a total of 36 companies at the academy. The assignment process is largely random, but it does take some factors into consideration in order to ensure diversity within each company. This includes geographical background, race, gender, etc.

Your company assignment greatly shapes your life at the USNA as it determines your day-to-day activities and experiences. For instance, you will eat all meals with your company and participate in company and battalion competitions in athletics, drill, and other activities.

During the second semester of plebe year (freshman year), the companies are shuffled. This means you will get a new company assignment that you retain for the rest of your time at the academy. This reshuffling, known as the “three-stripers shuffle,” is a complex process driven by the midshipmen in leadership. They interview every plebe and pick teams as if it were a sports draft. The aim is to create the best possible team, not only athletically but also academically and professionally.

Your company assignment can also influence your future opportunities. The companies form the primary organization for professional training, and they can play a role in the leadership opportunities you have access to. For instance, every year the companies compete for the honor of being designated color company (the highest performing company), and the competition can be a significant motivation for some midshipmen. This camaraderie and shared experiences with a company can build lifelong bonds among the midshipmen.

It's important to make the most of your company assignments at the USNA. Building good relationships with your company-mates and being proactive in seeking leadership roles within your company can make a real difference in your overall experience at the academy.