Ben's adventures during June

So today I was checking out the United States Naval Academy facebook page and actually found some pictures of Leatherneck training in Quantico that Ben was at during June. Unfortunately, none of the pictures were of Ben, however, I kind of got to see a bit of what he was going through. He would tell me things, but I don't think I really got the full appreciation until I saw some of these.

 

Even the Army guy can get through it! 

These are just a few that I thought showed a little bit of everything the pictures showed.

Also, today was I-Day for the plebes. For those of you that don't know what that means, it is the first day  of training for the class of 2015. Their summer is now taken over for the next 6 weeks by training. According to the USNA website:

Purpose of Plebe Summer

The purpose of Plebe Summer is to lay the foundation of the Academy's four-year professional development curriculum. At the conclusion of summer training, each Plebe class shall:

• Be indoctrinated in the traditions of the Naval Service and the Naval Academy;
• Understand basic military skills and the meaning behind them;
• Appreciate the high standards and obligations inherent in service as a Midshipmen and Naval Officer;
• Be dedicated to excellence in a competitive atmosphere that fosters leadership, teamwork, character, and a passion for "winning;"
• Appreciate the importance of mental, moral, and physical toughness in all aspects of duty and service; and
• Be prepared to execute the rigorous academic year routine.

Get the point? 

Well today, plebes (as they're known by everyone for the first year at the academy) get to say their goodbyes to family, significant others, and yes, even their hair as they begin their journey in the United States military. Here's just a few pictures I snagged from the Academy's facebook page. 

"See ya laters" start today. 

"See ya later hair"

They are issued uniforms, covers, shoes, even classes to wear for the next six weeks! 

They should also probably get used to this ;) (I secretly laughed a little when I saw this the first time)

About 1400 plebes being sworn in. Good luck of 2015!

Maybe this will give you just a bit more respect for our troops and midshipmen at the Academy and even though Ben likes to think he's not really "doing anything yet," I have to give them all credit, it's more than I would ever do, so I think it's "doing something!" 

GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!