is2day4him

we have a fully operational pistol range here at school. during Indoc you go down there once and learn basic safety and run a couple of rounds through a M9 service pistol. the Range Master sends out a weekly schedule of when there are open live-fire relays, as well as when an offical Navy Qual test is being given. there is also a pistol class available for PE. i just finished that class and upgraded my qualification to Sharpshooter.

as far as for rifle, we do not have a large enough facility for the M16 qualification. as such, there isn't a way to qualify here at school. i've talked with the Range Master about the possibility of a team movement to the nearest range that has the capability of such a qual, but it's doubtful we can pull it off.
some students have gotten their rifle qual during sea year--either through an internship or sometimes on their ship they can take it (some MSC ships allow you to from what i've been told). if i find out any more about how to get the rifle qual i'll let you know!

have a great summer!

Kemp7

how can anyone go to the range? and do you they provide you with m9s?

is2day4him

as a midshipman, you're welcome to use the range during any open live fire time you want. you must take the basic firearm safety course first, then you're welcome to shoot as much as you like. they have the M9s here, so no worries. i wouldn't suggest bringing your own weapon, as that can get you in serious trouble.

KingsPoint2010

Indoc is the easiest part of the KP experience. You will get out only what you put into it. While you're there you'll see kids who don't care at all and kids who care way too much. Everyone gets through as long as they want to. That's really the main purpose, to get rid of the people who don't want to be there. The hardest part of KP is academics. You can be as lazy as you want and be completely worthless as far as indoc is concerned and get through fine. As a matter of fact, most people who earn the "honor plebe" ribbon during indoc either get set back or kicked out at some point. Academics, Academics, Academics... that's the most important thing, not whether or not you can move a fake rifle from you're right shoulder your left shoulder. Once indoc's over, it's over forever and is completely irrelevant. Take advantage of it to get to know your fellow classmates and depend on each other. You'll look back on it later and laugh about how serious it all seemed at the time. Take it seriously, but don't loose any sleep over it. The real challenge is making it through the first trimester. Academics always has been the number 1 reason for setbacks and dis-enrollments. There's no grade for indoc or regimental performance.

I'm not saying blow off the regiment; it's just important to keep your priorities straight. If studying more for physics means spending a few less time shining you're shoes or practicing the POA, then so be it. You've got far more important things to do.

apprentice

is there an appropriate luggage size to carry all my things for indoc or it doesnt matter

USMMA2009

well put. some people place the regiment before academics, and most of them get kicked out or setback. grades are what enable you to graduate, not how well you can spin around a fake rifle

namann2011

As far as packing goes, pack light. I fit everything into a duffel bag. You really don't need much. Just make sure you have lots of socks.

Gold bond or the like is a good thing to bring as well. Just go by the list and you should be fine.

Also, pack the right clipboard! It is not the same size as a standard one.

zonker

VACUUM storage bags ! ! !
This was discussed last year, and it was the most useful advice in getting everything to fit in the Duffel/Sea Bag that my son took.

(Vacuum bags are the ones that look like giant zip-loc bags for clothing.. Pack all your clothing in one, zip it closed, hook up the vacuum cleaner and suck the air out). REALLY compacts things [thanks jamzmom and is2day]. We got ours at Target, but they are lots of places. Now, it doesn't make anything LIGHTER, but you can get pretty much twice the stuff in the same space. -- careful about airline checked luggage restrictions and additional charges this year. Son looked like a turtle carrying his house on his back while he was standing in line

And regular zip-loc bags are great for extra little loose items that might get separated or take time to organize. It worked great.

Here's the thread from last year that talks about it, and other useful things... packing-indoc-2.
If that doesn't work, here's the url: Packing for Indoc?

KPMarineopsdad

Also, regarding overweight luggage, most airlines will make an exception and wave the excess weight fee if you are traveling under orders. The problem is many of the ticket agents don't know their own rules. (they change daily I'm not sure I blame them.) My wife was able to save a KP mid a few bucks when he was going on sea year because she was able to intervene for him. She first identified him because of hi "KP" hat These fees have gotten pretty hefty as fuel costs rise so, call your airline and check.

suzannegra

Pack what is on the list in the logging in. Also, your parent's should have gotten a copy of the Plebe Parent's Tips (new edition for 2012). It has some good advice about packing for indoc. If they did not you can get a copy here

http://www.usmma.edu/parents/For_Ple...0May%2008).pdf

You may want to use a sea bag or a big rolling duffel, which you can use again when you leave for sea.

apprentice

I see that there are many mentions of a Sea Bag. What exactly is a Sea Bag? Is it a duffel bag the academy gives you or is it just a bag you take with to go on Sea Year?

suzannegra

A sea bag is what the Navy issues Sailors. It's a great bag that has lots of room in it. No KP does not issue you a sea bag. You can buy them at Navy surplus stores. Here is a link to a "sea bag."
Navy Sea Bag

cero

are white underarmor boxers allowed? any boxers?

atlsmith

White Underarmour (or less expensive facsimile) underwear is definitely allowed. It is worth the extra cost. We found both boxers and t-shirts (no UA logo) online. This forum tipped off my son that this was a very good idea. Given the heat and sweat it is more comfortable than cotton because it wicks away moisture and helps prevent chafing.
Speaking of chafing, Body Glide works much better than talcum powder. When you're running, chafing can occur almost anywhere, so put it on liberally and be more comfortable. You can order Body Glide online also.

zachogden

Gold Bond saved my life at band camp four years in a row and I certainly won't be leaving for USCGA without it. I would recommend it (or some other brand) to everyone.