Reacting to Naval Academy Basic Training!

Every summer, the US Naval Academy brings in over 1,000 young men and women who will become future officers in the U.S. Navy. But before they get started, they have to endure 6-weeks of Plebe Summer, the Navy's version of Basic Training in Annapolis, Maryland. As an officer in the Air Force and someone who graduated from the Air Force Academy, I'm giving you my reaction to just how difficult Plebe Summer actually is. Do you think you have what it takes?
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[@SamEckholm]

Quick Note: I found out females no longer have to cut their hair above their chins anymore 🙌🏼. Anyways, what do you guys think of Day 1 at the Naval Academy?

[@paytonzerkle65]

It's awesome my goal is to play tennis for the Naval Academy

[@SamEckholm]

@@paytonzerkle65 Best of luck!

[@zs1gaming]

What about doing the army next though?

[@paytonzerkle65]

@@SamEckholm Thank you so much

[@paytonzerkle65]

@@zs1gaming would love to see that

[@isabelaotero4854]

Still brings up emotions watching that video for class of 2023 after being there watching my sibling that day. I'll be in the plebe's shoes next year with the class of 26. Go Navy!

[@SamEckholm]

That’s awesome!! Best of luck.

[@globallyfamouse6609]

Goodluck

[@billhiggins-ha4all795]

Welcome... I hope the voyage is a great one for you. If you can, get a copy of "reef points" from a prior midshipman.

[@josieallred]

I got into NAPS. Class of ‘27💪💪

[@billhiggins-ha4all795]

I hope that you got in. What day is I-Day this summer? Ask your sibling for their Reef Points and memorize some of the stuff before you go. When I was a First-class, my plebe summer roommate had two of his younger brothers there as well. That roommate is ADM James F Caldwell, the Director of Naval Reactors. on May 27th he will complete 41 years of active duty. I will be down at the academy myself in August, for the ceremony where two of my classmates (VADM Ted "Slapshot" Carter and RADM Margaret "Peg" Deluca Klein) become Distinguished Graduates. Peg was the first woman to serve as Commandant and now is the Dean of Ethics and Leadership for the Naval War Colllege. Ted served for five years as Superintendent, and is now the President of Nebraska University.

[@asiamueller]

Just watched this video because my son is in the application process for USNA. I am so hopeful and excited for him to be able to make this a reality. Man did this bring tears to my eyes… that day will be hard…and so special ❤

[@sarasita7779]

Good luck! My daughter is in the class of 2028. Very emotional moment, and the whole year in general. Love the USNA.

[@josephinemiller4780]

This was awesome to see. I dated a Navy guy for two years who went to that academy. Eventually he switched to the Marine Corps. Annapolis is beautiful! My favorite city to go to when I lived in Northern Virginia.

[@joesabo8638]

Hey Sam! I want to thank you for all the great content. It has kept me inspired and excited for the academies! After applying to both, I decided I am going to be attending USAFA this next year in the class of 2025. Go Air Force, sink Navy!

[@SamEckholm]

So excited for you!!! Best of luck.

[@refaethuddin2139]

@@SamEckholm Hi

[@Mitchx_xlol]

I see that you are in USAFA congrats!

[@OrbInDaFrame]

Down Airforce Sail on Navy😈

[@tiladx]

I'm coming here more than a year after this was published. "Midshipman" is an actual rank in the Navy, dating back to long before we even thought of independence from Great Britain, and was used in the U.S. Navy to denote officer candidates before the Naval Academy was founded. There are a few changes from when I went through Induction Day in 1995, but it is generally the same - mainly, we did not conclude with a ceremonial march into the Rotunda through the Great Doors, we just went to our company spaces. What you didn't get to see was the "fun" that ensues after the Plebe Regiment returns to Bancroft Hall after the swearing-in. Part of that is that Plebes who are not standing watch as Company Mate of the Deck have to "chop," or double-time, down the center of every hallway (called "passageways") or the outer edge of every stairwell (called "ladders"), square each corner while sounding off with either "Go Navy, Sir" or "Beat Army, Sir," and slow to a walk to verbally greet every upperclassman (by name if they knew who they were). Chopping is required from Reveille until about 2000 hours, after which point they don't have to chop or sound off but are still required to use the center of the passageway and square their corners. Some of the ladders are reserved for certain classes - there are some which are reserved for Youngsters (Midshipmen Third Class) and higher, while others are reserved for Midshipmen Second Class and higher (I believe those are only in 3rd and 4th Wings). Any Plebe caught using any of those ladders was in for a massive scolding; I even caught a Youngster using the 3rd Wing Second Class ladder one day and embarrassed him into using the correct ladders. Fun fact: Bancroft Hall is the largest single dormitory building in the world. Another fun fact: The Great Doors of the Rotunda (which you saw closed at the end of the video) are off-limits to Midshipmen at all times except for ceremonial purposes, such as morning quarters and non-meal formations or morning and evening Colors. A lot of brand new Ensigns and 2nd Lieutenants will return to Bancroft Hall after Commissioning to get their pictures taken standing in the Great Doors. I've been back a few times, and as a matter of tradition and respect, I will not walk through the Great Doors since I ended up not graduating.

[@jeffburnham6611]

We had a group of Midshipmen come to stay with us when I was aboard Forrestal (CV-59). They were all destined to become Marine Corps officers upon graduation, and we being the Marine Detachment and the only Marines aboard Forrestal, it was a bit odd to hear them calling GySgt "Sir", as well as calling us the same even though we were enlisted. They didn't stay with us very long, I guess each class has a summer cruise they take.

[@vincentvu1370]

Ik dude my brother is in the Class of 2028

[@vincentvu1370]

Joined yesterday

[@francessaelua3883]

Thanks ❤️ my son just completed Plebe Summer 2022 for class of 2026 USNA. I had tears in my eyes on last couple of minutes. Such a privilege and honor for our service academy students or plebes or cadets.

[@BK-xs5qw]

I just finished my Plebe Summer last month. Unreal experience that I’ll never forget.

[@Joeylusby]

What company are you in? I just finished too

[@bennykim6573]

At 8:30 my son is in the back with his glasses. it's awesome to see him. He is a Second Class (Junior) now, time flies.

[@mollybasketball3808]

same for my brother! it’s crazy! it seemed like he was a plebe yesterday!

[@EricCoop]

I'm a retired Commander who went to Annapolis. Before I entered USNA, I took a tour of USAFA. Differences I rapidly recall: -Cadets run outside. We ran INSIDE. We were not allowed to run in uniform outside at all. -Cadet barracks are carpeted and you walked inside. We had PVC tiles and when the maintenance contractors wax it, running, or "chopping" as we call it, could be hazardous. -Navy NEVER required us to square our movements during what you call "chow" and what we Mids called "meal." -Our football team is better. But we don't get mad when USAFA beats USNA. Air Force Week is basically practice for A/N pranks and any pranks that go far enough to warrant demerits and restriction serve as lessons learned for A/N week. Most folks would rather lose Turkey Day than lose Christmas leave. All and all, similar experiences but as you point out, USNA has LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! down. The "Point" is in the middle of nowhere. "Springs" is in the middle of nowhere but the Rockies make everything spectacular in terms of scenery. I don't remember pregnancy tests... But I'm a dude. I'll ask my wife later (she's a USNA classmate). As for hair, wife is Black so she didn't get much of a haircut. As for your uniform commentary, they are called "Dixie Cups." Flip it and it becomes Gilligan's hat. Toward the end of my career, I taught leadership in Luce Hall. Very rewarding. Very fun to be on the other side of the podium. As for how many women enter Annapolis, when my wife and I entered in 1997, it was 15% women. Today, over 30%. Most of us incurred a 5-year committment. The Aviators add on two extra years of commitment. Lastly, any young person who wants to serve and has the smarts should ABSOLUTELY apply to a Service Academy. Whether (BEAT) Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, or Merchant Marine, you will get a first-rate education AND have at least five years of guaranteed employment. It's rewarding, you go all over the world, and whether you serve out the commitment and transtion, or go Reserves, or do a full career like I did, you will be proud. P.S., the Class Ring is a great beer bottle opener. ;-)

[@manuelsantiago9485]

Why am I so early, anyways ty for your service and hoping to be serving one day too 🙌🏼

[@SamEckholm]

Early gang!

[@nobrien1]

All I can say is that Plebe year at USNA today is a far cry from what it was for the Class of 1971! For starters, it was a full year of hazing and pressure. From videos I have seen on KZbin, during the Plebe academic year, it is basically college with uniforms. While many would say it is for the better, with the recent rash of relieved commands, I wonder if it has gone too far the other way.

[@BrunoPadovani-t7g]

I agree.

[@richs6205]

Your positivity is infectious, great video.

[@BrunoPadovani-t7g]

USNA '80 here. When they march into Bancroft Hall and those big brass doors close, THAT'S when the "fun" begins.

[@Bamaboy35653]

Thank you all for taking care of our country it really is greatly appreciated!

[@mobius2536]

Hey Sam! You're my favorite KZbinr by far and I've been inspired to go into AFROTC this August! I can't wait!

[@SamEckholm]

Love that!! Best of luck

[@datmufn]

Hope you went through with it. Best of luck!

[@moks7412]

Maybe Q&A with Swayne?

[@genewood5233]

My daughter just went through I-Day at Annapolis and she didnt have to get her hair cut. Its up to each individual female Plebe. Also the busses drop off families with their plebes. :Plebes get in line and start the induction process while families tour the yard, attend briefings, picnics, and wait for the oath of office ceremony at the end of the day in T-Court.

[@What_Makes_Climate_Tick]

Thanks for giving props to your rival service academy. They're all impressive.

[@mindyschocolate]

9:45 those upper classmen sounding fierce 😂🤣

[@noahbohl2127]

My dad taught at the naval academy when I was younger. Annapolis is such a beautiful area and I love going there every few years. The naval academy is right there. I was there last weekend and the class of 26 was there with their parents presumably after this summer.

[@chandlerryan8244]

* Meanwhile in Wespoint USCC: Finally a worthy opponent

[@JustAGlitchFL]

Alternate universe Sam: boat photography

[@davidwolf226]

Sam, as a new subscriber, it was a pleasure to watch this video you presented from your own Air Force Academy experiences as opposed to what the Navy folks go through. As a Navy veteran (NCO), I have 3 different friends who graduated from each of the military academies spanning from 1969 to 1974. These were all guys I knew in high school. This was several years prior to the admission of women (I believe that was in 1976). They all had military careers beyond their minimum 5-year post-graduation requirement. I currently have two nephews who are NCOs in the Air Force and they both love their careers. Both are E-5's, however, the younger one will be attending OCS at Maxwell AFB shortly. My Dad was an Army Air Force/Air Force veteran just after WWII. Refreshing to get a young officer's perspective. 👍

[@SamEckholm]

So cool to hear!! Thanks for the kind words David.

[@zs1gaming]

Amazing vid. Keep up the good work.

[@chrisakins692]

Thanks for showing this. What they did not show is what happens after the Plebes enter Bancroft Hall, and the doors shut. That is less heartwarming. lol. But I'd do it again if i could. #GoNavy - Class of 1995. (There is a lot more to the Plebe Summer video on KZbin as well).

[@KumahzClipz]

i like how Sam barely pauses the video and talks thank you man

[@emillev-twombly2234]

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

[@micahd4010]

Getting ready for plebe summer right now! I liked the perspective from a USAFA alum. Really great video.

[@billhiggins-ha4all795]

Get a copy of reef points, but it may be too late. Welcome Aboard!!

[@micahd4010]

@@billhiggins-ha4all795 little update… I’m sitting in a hotel in Colorado Springs at the moment, getting ready for USAFA I-day tomorrow… got a last minute phone call from my senator and switched service academies!

[@billhiggins-ha4all795]

I got to visit for a Navy vs Air force game in '79 or '80 as a member of the pep band. It is such a beautiful place. I was in '81 and my girlfriend was in '83 and pep band. We also shared glee club and catholic choir. While we couldn't date her plebe year we were together far more than most couples. She is still serving in the reserves 38 years after graduation. We have one Admiral still serving after 40, ADM Frank Caldwell. He is the Director of Naval Reactors.

[@billhiggins-ha4all795]

Navy I-day is split between June 29th and 30th. Bond with your classmates. They are family for life. When possible, create a Facebook Group for the class.

[@billhiggins-ha4all795]

DR Mary Kelly is from USNA a few years behind me. She taught at both USNA and USAFA. She is now an author and international leadership speaker.

[@jamesbell7137]

In the Royal New Zealand Navy, there are two courses for officers and rates. Also in the New Zealand Defence Force, they pay for your university degree if you want to get one but you have to give time back for however long your uni course is.

[@mhl7590]

Now you gotta react to the coast guard academy!

[@suhaib-dr6hu]

please do one on the army academy

[@Potato546-t5l]

At first I thought he said "pleb" but then looked back and it was plebes.

[@masondansbee9061]

Great video Sam! Can you do one of the US Merchant Marine Academy? I’m going there in a couple weeks to begin my journey with the class of 2025. It would be great to hear what you think and how it compares to the bigger academies.

[@sandradeangelo5750]

0

[@eepshay7239]

Can’t wait to do this in 9 days!!!!!

[@HillaryLinnea]

How did it go for you???

[@wi_spotter]

Hey Sam! I’d love a Coast Guard academy video!

[@SamEckholm]

I’ll add it to the list!

[@startupset1527]

​@@SamEckholm Stronger united⚽💝

[@workprofile8387]

Hey Sam, this is Cadet Third Class Ryan, I'm currently serving as a Cadet in AFROTC. You motivated me in joining!

[@justryan5697]

I'm looking to enlist to go through BMT either this winter or next summer (in the air force)

[@johnlozauskas778]

@Sam Eckholm - Thank you for your service. You have to do the other 3 Service Academies. Army, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine.

[@Justin87878]

Now, please do the West Point Academy, Sam!

[@dylanwhite694]

no such thing as "West Point Academy" lol. There's the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

[@Slader77]

@@dylanwhite694 shush

[@bnbowes]

When I saw the title I was a bit curious, more skeptical, hoping it wasnt a bashing on the Navy. Well done. Finishing up 30 years in the Navy I get what you are feeling. Thank you for your service and GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY! (and Air Force).

[@tylerdurdin8069]

Dixie Cups. The naval enlisted and pleebe cover is the dixie cup.

[@rebekahthomas5685]

These videos are so cool! Please keep doing videos like this.

[@brandonwunder9063]

Come on, u can’t forget USCGA!!

[@SamEckholm]

I'll get to it!

[@brandonwunder9063]

@@SamEckholm I love your videos! I am heading to USCGA this June to be apart of the class of 2025.

[@michaelripperger5674]

Also USMMA

[@Justin-lt1qp]

Hey Sam I got a video suggestion:Reaction to the businesses insider boot camp videos

[@SamEckholm]

Great idea!

[@dylanwhite694]

Do U.S. Merchant Marine Academy!

[@johnmartin7599]

It's completely free as long as you don't flunk the course. If you do you end up as enlisted or you end up paying back the tuition. They are VERY picky about whom they admit into the course to eliminate drop outs

[@ThePhoenixCAPT97]

When I first walked in, It looked like a Hotel.

[@nicholasmcdaniel1736]

You should react to West Point!

[@theasianunicorn6469]

Never sweat more in my life than during plebe summer. The humidity was crazy

[@patrickbrock6800]

well now I feel like we have to see West Point, to finish it out.

[@mike83ny]

I remember I-day like it was yesterday - FORTY-THREE years ago. Crikies, I'm getting old.

[@Speed_and_Power]

I’m gonna be in the class of 2026. Watching this is both terrifying and exiting.

[@t.eddy412]

Can you do a reaction to the USCGA's swab summer? My brother is currently a freshman there!

[@ericfine7448]

Nice work Lt.

[@euanlacey1047]

Great video!

[@theeeeeed2631]

Wow amazing video keep it up

[@sonofPoseidon136_]

Fun fact I know many people who went to the service academies because it was their only offer to play athletics at the next level and then transferred out after getting an offer somewhere else so your 5 years isn't mandatory of your transfer before graduation but that was for athletic reasons so I don't know

[@hellascyprus36]

I am heading to Australian Navy.

[@jpjh8844]

You should do a video of the two lesser know service academies, Coast Guard Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy. Everyone knows of Annapolis, West Point and USAFA.

[@chronos401]

Some of the women were wearing buns in this video. Looks like the female plebes and midshipmen have the option not to cut their hair. One thing I've always found funny is how some people do not look good in the uniforms. Unless overweight, it's not their fault. The services don't offer them free tailoring to help fix this.

[@dmflynn962]

Thanks for the video. I liked hearing your commentary. When I went there over 40 years ago, I do not recall being able to meet with parents after swearing in. It might have happened, but my mother headed for home at 7am. Crewcuts were not required, but a long haircut was about a half inch long, not long enough to comb. During the day we had enough drill that we could march (poorly) by 4pm. The food was good, but as a plebe I learned at lunch on the first day to not spend much time in the dining hall because that was open season for squad leaders grilling plebes. I lost 10 pounds the first month. Also we were not allowed more than 3 chews per swallow.

[@darrylyoes414]

Wow. These guys are Firsties (seniors) now! Very impressive group of young men and women. My beautiful daughter is class of 2025. :)

[@ThePhoenixCAPT97]

I went to the Naval Academy Class of 2020. Best thing I have ever done.

[@ThePhoenixCAPT97]

I had the advantage. I was in NJROTC so, I kind of knew.

[@tangent.arc38618]

If you have bad grades for freshman year of HS, but turn it around next years will your chance of getting into a service academy be completely cooked?

[@HillaryLinnea]

@@ThePhoenixCAPT97 Bravo Zulu! My daughter is in 8th grade now and has been in the Sea Cadet program so far for 3 years... She will eventually make Chief when she is a Junior. Her goal is USNA, so even though she has a few years, it's never too early to start. This mama is helping encourage her to make sure grades & SAT scores are tippy top, that she does her community service, serves at church, participates in sports. I love sharing videos like this with her. It gives her hope!

[@theikimashoclub5719]

Annapolis is gorgeous, West Point is beautiful also. but there is nothing outside the gates...

[@jameshanlon5689]

That's nice. How about West Point where the first Air Force officers started before the Air Force Academy was established.

[@dr9205]

I've been to Anapolis & wondered what all the ice cream uniforms around town were for - lol. I knew a few Anapolis grades through the years including a Physics Prof for a few years before he went back to the Marine infantry. There was a USAF Col I worked for that was a West Point grad. Before getting to Marine boot camp I did much running & I had very short hair so wasn't too bad. Then interservice transfer & USAF OTS back in 1980.

[@yurialondor6230]

Hey Sam, awesome video! I will be joining the Air Force soon and it's a little personal to ask but that nice place of yours, is a good portion of it paid through BAH? Would love to one day have such a kickass place while in the AF and was curious how you got yours. thanks a bunch!

[@stephenolson3795]

...some of my best friends at the academy were girls... seriously! 28 yrs, Army Infantry Officer...served along side women. Never served with a "girl".

[@samwarren4088]

you should do a video on your equipment

[@startupset1527]

Stronger united⚽💝

[@user-AlexFilatov]

Super video, hello from Russia. Alex👍👍👍

[@Keppy601]

You should do a reaction video with Swayne.

[@eliasschanz6659]

Hey Sam, you planning on making it to the abbotsford intl airshow this year? The F22 is flying!!! I'd love to meet ya, I volunteer there every year.

[@fendii2x747]

first and thank you for your service

[@Js_Son83]

Let's go Navy!! Beat Air Force!! #Annapolis #navalacademy #goat

[@moks7412]

what is it like to be gay in air force? Can you develop any relationship while being there? What's other people's reaction?

[@xavierb1530]

I'm also interested.

[@PinkHawk191]

Go Navy Beat Airforce! Go Navy Beat Army!

[@phillipk5671]

React on Indian army passing out parade pls love from INDIA 🇮🇳

[@Josh-ro6kw]

Can you make a video on the application process for joining USAFA?

[@JFND2008]

They should bring in Navy RDCs and Marine Corps DIs to be detailers.

[@Jetwasnothere]

I have, or I'm assuming that i do have some restrictions from my personal health that's stopping me from joining the air force, such as allergies and eyesight, that i can definitely get through. Besides that, i don't even care if my head is shaved, in fact, I'm more than happier lol

[@turnerlinafelter8069]

Do US Coast Guard Academy!

[@viperstrike_3258]

Wait….the commandant was a commander and the deputy commandant was a Captain? Anyone else notice that? Is that typical?

[@calebkim2275]

Please do West Point 😩😩😩

[@99995lam]

What is their academic requirements

[@madangel2002]

Wait so if you talk to a recruiter and sign up for the military, you still are not guaranteed a position in the military

[@doublecosmoscos2292]

The service academies are like colleges for the military

[@williampreisser8625]

You should react to coast guard boot camp

[@Cbrown2793]

Where you ever close to a AH 64 apache

[@erpollock]

When do you learn to sail a sailboat during plebe summer?

[@cm7botekar]

Let's be honest for people like me who overprotected their hearing. On the first day we will lose more hearing than in the past 2 years.

[@BangBangBeefyMacNCheesy]

Go Navy! Beat Army! 🇺🇸

[@alswn23]

Just a random question. Where did you get that awesome blue bomber jacket? Is it from the Air Force?

[@SamEckholm]

It’s from Zara

[@slobama]

At the start of the Naval Academy video there was a gal who said she didn't want her hair cut, I wonder what happened to her.

[@Cbrown2793]

And I love your videos team sam

[@aquajay]

Nice video!

[@basherahmad7815]

What about seal are the navy or other kind of army?

[@mitchniarchos8258]

How in shape should I be before joining the Air Force?

[@SamEckholm]

As best as you can.

[@zoejohnson1146]

You should do West Point!

[@sentinel8422]

Hey! Can you do West Point too?