Recent content by severn

... sorry. Here's Mid the Cat, "honorary" member of USNA Class of 2030; primary mission is catching friendly mice in Bancroft. Several weeks ago, a Shakespearean tragedy struck during breakfast (similar to the doors closing in Bancroft during I-Day). Mid did not show up for breakfast; no...

... just my thoughts on special ops as I relate to my firstie son and his best friend. So true that each generation adapt tactically from jungles to deserts, the core spec op tasks stayed the same; revolve around small, highly trained teams. In the early '80s, my SFQC instructors and company...

... so I asked how is the food? Silence. "I don't eat in the base." ? His friend from highschool lives 5 miles away; similar to last year's YP cruise, he stayed with a friend in Manhattan. Already has the Ensign (hard) Shoulder Boards, given by a friend who was "fast track" to medical school...

... so I'm smiling when I read this. Since we only have one Mid, we (sort of) moved next to the gate so we can be close next to our son. (For historical reference, review General MacArthur's mom). Plebe year was heaven (she still smiles even today thinking about it). Daily she visited the yard...

... The Luggage Plebe

... so during the 0600 morning formation - inspection in Jump School, a candidate forgot to shave. Sergeant Airborne asked him if he forgot to shave. He said yes. Then the Sergeant asked, "Who do you think you are, Jesus Christ?" Yes was the answer. Several Airborne instructors threw him in the...

... so another nostalgic moment as 22 May 2026 Graduation fast approaching: * Two years prior to I-Day, only 2 pullups he could do. I told a story from Jump School about knocking out 7 pullups before Sergeant Airborne lets me eat in the mess hall. Training went pretty serious quickly. * 0500...

... so just from the firstie son's experience: * Take, retake, and retake and retake. Each time, score went up by 40+ points. * Enroll in Saturday SAT sessions. A 4-inch thick practice exam book with 10 Live practice exams is issued.Take the tests. Each wronged problem, cut them out, and...

... yah, Response yesterday after arrival at training base: "Parents, I'll be home __ July. Out."

Proud, incredible Bancroft, Shakespearean play Farewell, tears, joy

... so the team boarded a shuttle 0400 for BWI, destination unknown. Mid the Cat's wi-fi ears picked up vibrations and halfway opened her eyes, "... too early for me, wake me up at the end of block 2." 😺

Mid the Cat enjoying R&R with son, Block 1 End of Cycle. 😺

... so it was a term of endearment, Buff Chix. Very tasty with fries and ketchup.

... so fun. Informed firstie son that I'm wearing Dress Blues. I didn't know that he asked the company leadership if he could wear his USNA Dress Whites. Approved. But I thought his roommates dared him to wear it. I was waiting at the bookstore and I thought I saw a Top Gun hero or something...

... so first before eyeing the abyss double doors of Alumni Hall, make sure your grunge shirt is tucked in... preferably with a belt. Once tucked in, place the PTR Letter on top of all your required documents for submission (bring all of it; back up with your parents). New 2LTs / Ensigns will...