Plebe Summer FAQs: A Navy Mom Answers the Questions Every New Parent Asks
If your son or daughter just reported for I-Day, welcome to the Navy family!
I still remember leaving Annapolis after dropping off my daughter for Plebe Summer. Like every new parent, I had a hundred questions.
Why are some plebes wearing yellow belts? What is PEP? What do all those color bands mean? And when is my plebe going to call home?
Over the years, I've realized many parents ask the same questions while following the daily photos and updates from the Naval Academy. So I put together this guide with answers to some of the most common—and sometimes confusing—questions about Plebe Summer.
I hope it helps make these seven weeks just a little less overwhelming.
What Should I Expect During My Plebe's Phone Calls?
Each plebe is allowed two phone calls home during the seven weeks of Plebe Summer. Those calls can be emotional—some plebes are excited and upbeat, while others may be exhausted or even in tears. Be prepared for anything.
A few tips:
Answer every phone call, even from an unknown number. Sometimes your plebe's phone isn't charged, so they may borrow another phone.
Have your immediate family together and use speakerphone so everyone can share the moment.
Record the call using your phone's Voice Memos app—it becomes a priceless keepsake.
Write down a few questions ahead of time, but let your plebe do most of the talking.
If reception is poor or the call is late, don't panic. Nearly 1,000 plebes are making calls at the same time.
Most importantly, remember that you are your plebe's safe place to vent. Listen, encourage them, and trust the process.
What Is the Yellow Belt?
A yellow belt or sash lets detailers know a plebe has a medical limitation.
Yellow belt around the waist: Lower-body injury
Yellow sash across the chest: Upper-body injury
The yellow belt helps ensure the plebe isn't assigned activities that could make the injury worse.
What Is Tango Company?
Tango Company is for plebes who are seriously considering leaving the Naval Academy.
Rather than allowing someone to quit in the heat of the moment, the Academy gives them time to think through their decision. Plebes in Tango Company meet with detailers, chaplains, and Academy staff over several days or weeks to discuss their options before making such an important life decision.
What Do the Running Group Colors Mean?
During Plebe Summer, plebes are grouped by running ability to help them train safely and effectively.
Black: Fastest
Silver
Bronze
Blue
Purple
Green
White: Slowest group
Orange: Injured or recovering from an injury
The groups simply help organize physical training—they are not a measure of a plebe's potential for success at the Academy.
Why Are Some Plebes Wearing Two Name Tags or Carrying Extra Items?
Those are usually training reminders.
If a plebe forgets a name tag, they may be required to wear two as a reminder. Sometimes one of the name tags belongs to their swim buddy if that person forgot theirs.
You may also see plebes carrying books, wearing two covers (hats), or other extra items. These are all training tools designed to reinforce attention to detail—an essential skill for future naval officers.
What Is "Gray Space"?
"Gray space" is the short amount of unscheduled time between planned events during Plebe Summer.
For the detailers, it's an opportunity to continue training, reinforce military knowledge, or simply keep the plebes engaged. As the saying goes, if there's gray space on the schedule, the detailers will usually find a way to fill it!
What Is a "Chit"?
A chit is simply written permission or official documentation.
There are many different types of chits during Plebe Summer. For example, a medical chit may excuse a plebe from certain physical activities or modify their training while they recover from an injury.
What Is PEP?
PEP stands for Physical Education Program.
It's the daily physical training during Plebe Summer and includes running, strength exercises, obstacle courses, and other workouts designed to build endurance and teamwork. Running groups are based on ability so plebes can safely improve their fitness throughout the summer.
What Is HELLO Night?
HELLO Night marks the end of Plebe Summer, when the rest of the Brigade of Midshipmen returns to Annapolis.
It's the first time the plebes officially meet the upper-class midshipmen in their companies. While it's an exciting milestone, it's also the beginning of a new chapter as the Brigade reforms and the academic year gets underway.
What Are "Rates"?
"Rates" are the pieces of military knowledge that every plebe is expected to memorize.
They come from the Reef Points handbook and include:
Navy and Marine Corps ranks
Leadership principles
Mission statements
Chain of command
Traditions
And much more
Don't be surprised if your plebe starts reciting rates at the dinner table after Plebe Summer—they'll know them by heart!
A Few Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me
As a Navy mom, I know Plebe Summer can be just as challenging for parents as it is for the plebes. Looking back, here are a few things I wish someone had told me:
Don't compare your plebe's experience to anyone else's. Every company, every detailer, and every plebe has a different journey.
Keep writing letters, even if you don't get many in return. Your plebe may not have time to write back, but your letters mean more than you know.
Answer every unknown phone number. It just might be your plebe calling from someone else's phone.
Remember that you are their safe place. If they vent or get emotional during a phone call, listen first and encourage second. Sometimes they just need someone who loves them unconditionally.
Trust the process. There will be hard days, but there will also be incredible growth. Before you know it, you'll be standing in Annapolis for Plebe Parents Weekend amazed at how much your son or daughter has accomplished in just seven short weeks.
One Last Thought...
One day, you'll look back and realize these seven weeks passed much faster than they felt at the time.
There will be moments when you miss your son or daughter more than you ever imagined, but there will also be moments of incredible pride as you watch them grow into confident young leaders.
Before you know it, you'll be walking through the gates of the Naval Academy for Plebe Parents Weekend, wondering how they changed so much in such a short time.
Trust the process. Cheer them on from afar. And know that you're part of a very special Navy family now.
Go Navy!
Have a Question?
Do you have a Plebe Summer question that isn't answered here?
I'd love to help! Feel free to reach out through The Goat Getaway website. As a fellow Navy mom, I'm always happy to share what I've learned along the way.
Planning AHead? We've Got You Covered.
If this is your first Plebe Summer, chances are you're already counting down to the next time you'll see your plebe. When that day comes, we'd love to host your family at The Goat Getaway. Located just minutes from the Naval Academy, it's the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and make the most of your time together in Annapolis. We’d love to welcome you!
