Plebe summer begins on Induction day or "I-day". Priors-- those who have previously served in the military (also called NAPSters) are those who went to the Naval Academy Prep School. They come in the day before and Jessi has one of these girls as a room mate. The summer ends on Reform of the Brigade a week after Parent's Weekend.
Plebes are placed in a squad of 12; 4 squads make up a platoon. 2 Platoons make up a company during Plebe summer. During the summer they are in alphabetical companies but during the Academic year it will become numeric.
First Class midshipmen will be responsible for the training of Plebes (seniors are the ones in uniforms and maybe juniors are the ones in shorts-- I'm totally guessing). They are called "detailers". They are Plebe's superiors. It is up to them if a plebe receives discipline, and they are responsible to make sure a plebe get all they need to be successful in their Navy (or Marine) career. Their primary responsibility during Plebe Summer is to instruct incoming Plebes in the Honor System. Being a Detailer is obviously hard work- they are up earlier than the Plebes and go to bed much later. They set an example in everything. Plebe Summer is divided into two sets of detailers so Jessi will have two groups of Detailers to deal with.
It is my understanding that indoctrination occurs best with the separation from all that is familiar. It is a bit of shock and awe. In six hours they go from a civilian to a whole new paradigm with different clothes, a different way to walk, talk and perform. They do not get to communicate with the outside world except in very brief interludes. In that isolated environment they are pushed beyond what they think they can do and learn to work together, to overcome difficulties, and to refine necessary skills such as attention to detail, and remaining calm under intense pressure.
While I may be amazed at the transformation of my daughter after 42 days, a little part of me is very afraid of it too. Here's a great video to watch about Plebe Summer.
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