<p>IMO the whole phrase does have merit. Once I completed Plebe year I did breath a bit easier as I now knew that I had the tools to suceed. Certainly never looked at it as if I was now one of the “big boys” Trust me we know our place as youngsters and now as second class. I had made it through probably the toughest parts of life on the yard and had confidence in going forward. That confidence is certainly helping, as the saying that 2/c year is the hardest academically, is holding true for me.</p>
<p>The four class system is well and alive at the Academy. The idea that the Academy is broken into three phases does not in any way mean there is only a two class system here. What gives the impression that the accountability of the 3/c, 2/c and 1/c’s seems to be broken? What observations is this based on? </p>
<p>As for the lessening of the rites of passage for plebes designed to counter this two class perception - I do not know whose perception it is supposed to lessen - the parents or Alumni because there certainly is not that perception on the yard.</p>