I'm curious about the terminology used at the Naval Academy. Is there a specific term for newcomers or first-year students, and what does it entail?
At the United States Naval Academy, newcomers are referred to as "plebes". This term is specific to the first-year Midshipmen at the academy.
In the context of the Naval Academy, being a plebe involves an intense and rigorous program designed to help students transition from civilian life into military life, socially and academically. Plebe Summer, before the academic year even starts, is an especially challenging period of physical and mental training.
The plebe year at the Naval Academy is the most structured and supervised year of a Midshipman's four-year professional development program. Plebes are expected to learn a broad spectrum of knowledge from memorizing daily menus to understanding complex naval tactics, as well as mastering customs and traditions of the Naval service. In addition, they also participate in standard college coursework and engage in rigorous physical activities.
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