What's the Naval Academy's schedule for summer break?

I'm curious about the Naval Academy's summer break schedule. How long is it, and are there specific activities or programs students have to participate in during this time? I'm trying to get a sense of the commitment involved.

Sure, I can give you a general overview of the United States Naval Academy's summer schedule. However, I strongly recommend verifying this information through official USNA resources or speaking directly with an admissions officer for the most current details.

Breaks at service academies tend to look a little different than at traditional colleges. At the Naval Academy, summer break is usually short and structured, typically running from mid-May to late June. Rather than getting the entire summer off, midshipmen participate in training programs.

Three main types of training usually take place during this summer period:

- Plebe Summer: This is for incoming freshmen or "plebes," which is a 6-week intensive training program designed to transition civilian students into military life.

- Professional Training of Midshipmen (PROTRAMID): Sophomores engage in a four-week program where they get exposure to various warfare specialties including submarines, surface, aviation, and Marine Corps.

- Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS): Juniors, or second-class midshipmen, help lead this seminar, which is for prospective USNA students to experience the academy before applying.

Finally, seniors, or first-class midshipmen, lead the Plebe Summer training program or intern at Navy and Marine Corps units worldwide.

In summary, midshipmen do get a break, but it's brief and bookended by required training and leadership experiences. Even during these periods, midshipmen are developing important skills and gaining valuable experience, but it is a significant commitment.