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For the definitive source for all Naval Academy terms, buy a copy of Ross Mackenzie's, "Brief Points: An Almanac for Parents and Friends of the US Naval Academy Midshipmen," which can be purchased online at the Mid Store: http://www.navyonline.com/

Academic Board

Discipline board that convenes at the end of each semester to review poor academic performance and to determine separation or retention.

ADEO

Alcohol and drug education officer; a Midshipman in each company who deals with alcohol- and drug-related affairs.

Anchor

The graduating Firstie with the lowest order of merit in the class. Traditionally he/she gets a dollar from each classmate. The anchor is also the center point of King Hall where prayers are given, announcements are made and the meal is begun with the ringing of a bell.

ASTB

Acronym for Aviation Selection Test Batter, a two-and-a-half-hour, five-part test for prospective aviators; it has a math/verbal section similar to the SAT, as well as parts on mechanical comprehension, spatial perception, aviation and nautical information and aviation interest; usually offered in second class year. Those failing to achieve minimum requirements are ineligible for flight assignments

Bancroft

Bancroft Hall (Mother B), the largest dormitory in the world and home to more than 4,400 Mids.

The Basic School

Training facility located in Quantico, Virginia; where US Marine Corps second lieutenants go for training after graduation; frequently called TBS.

Basket Leave

Thirty days of leave given to all Midshipmen upon graduation; they must use it within ninety days of graduation, or not at all.

Battalion

Unit of organization within the Brigade; each regiment has three battalions; each battalion is composed of companies.

BCGs

Birth control glasses - Eyeglass frames issued to all Mids requiring eyesight correction.

BGO

Blue & Gold Officer

Bilge

To undercut, stab in the back or make another look bad.

Blocks

Usually refers to the three segments of summer training, called first, second and third blocks; each approximately a month long.

Blue rim

Standard-issue Midshipman T-shirt.

BOV

Board of Visitors

Brigade

The entire group of Midshipmen.

Cadre

First class Midshipman assigned to Plebe detail, formally knows as a detailer.

Capstone

Acronym for Capstone Character Excellence Seminars - Seminars for 1/C Midshipmen that provide ideas and solutions to Fleet-related problems. In addition to topics appropriate to their future commissioned service, a guest speaker usually of flag rank, is invited to add an experienced perspective. These non-academic programs complement classroom teachings on leadership and ethics.

CCC

Acronym for Color Company Competition - Designed to support the mission of the Naval Academy by stimulating the professional, academic, and athletic development of Midshipmen through intra-Brigade competition.  This competition is coordinated by the Midshipmen Activities Officer.

CDO

Acronym for company duty officer, a first class Midshipman who is head of a duty section the company.

CDS
 

Acronym for Character Development Seminars - Designed for second class midshipmen to focus on the core value of Commitment. Four years of Character Development programs culminate in a Capstone Character Excellence Seminar.  All of these non-academic programs are linked to provide an effective complement to classroom teachings on leadership and ethics.

Chit

Written permission or excusal; examples include special liberty or excusing a Midshipman from obligation such as classes or athletics because of injury or illness.

Choker Whites

Formal nighttime version of dinner dress whites; the equivalent of a civilian tuxedo.

Chop

Short double-time steps (about 160 steps per minute) Plebes must move in Bancroft Hall's halls and stairways.

Chow Calls

Plebe rates; 10 to five minutes before breakfast and lunch if formations are inside; 12 minutes and seven minutes before those meals if formations are outside. Plebes recite, by shouting, (1) where formation is, (2) the uniform for formation, (3) the menu for the meal, (4) the Midshipman and officer of the day, (5) the week's professional topic, and (6) the day's major events on the Yard. Plebes memorize chow calls every day and must recite on command.

Class Rank

See order of merit

CIP

Acronym for Career information Program - Midshipmen briefs concerning service selection.

CMOD

Acronym for company mate of the deck, a Plebe or Youngster standing watch in a company area; also called a mate.

CO

Color Company

The Company with the most accumulated color points including academics, athletics, parades and military activities. The wining Color Company is honored during Commissioning Week receives extra privileges the following academic year.

Commandant

USNA's second-ranking military officer (after the Superintendent) or the dean of military affairs overseeing discipline and professional training; frequently call "the Dant."

Company

Company Officer

A commissioned officer in charge of the company.

Conduct

USNA's system of administrative discipline.

Con Locker

Short for confidential locker; the only lockable locker in every Midshipmen’s room.

Cover

CQRP

CSNTS

Acronym for Command, Seamanship and Navigation Training Squadron - Summer sailing cruise on a 44-foot sailboat.

D&B

Short for drum and bugle corps.

Dant

Short for the Commandant of Midshipmen or dean of military affairs overseeing discipline and professional training.

Dark Ages

Period between Christmas and spring break characterized by cold temperatures, snow, rain and overwhelming poor attitudes; easily the most depressing period of the academic year.

Dark Side

A phrase connoting the dating of another Midshipman.

Dean's List

The list of Midshipmen with a SQPR of at least a 3.4 with no grade below a C with the following minimum grades: B in conduct, B in military performance, C in physical education and a C in PRT.

Deck

A Navy term for any floor or on the ground.

Dixie Cup

The blue rimmed sailor's hat worn by Plebes during Plebe Summer.

Drag

A guest shown around the Academy by a Midshipman or an Appointee for the Naval Academy visiting the Yard. Hosting a drag provides "carry on" status for the Midshipman.

Drill

Parade practice and/or march-on practice, usually several times in a week.

Drydock

Restaurant in Dahlgren Hall used by faculty, Midshipmen and their guests.

Duty

Navy-wide term for a daily watch.

ECA

Acronym for extra-curricular activity

ED

Acronym for extra duty

EI

Acronym for extra instruction. It is voluntary or mandatory, depending on academic status.

End of
Semester Leave

After spring semester exams and prior to Commissioning Week; usually called Intercessional leave.

Eyes in the Boat

Plebes must keep their eyes fixed straight ahead.

Firstie

A member of the first class of Midshipman (1/C) or a senior at a civilian college.

Five & Dive

Slang phrase for serving the five-year obligation after graduation and then leaving the naval service.

Formation

Any assembling in ranks and taking a muster, usually in reference to formations prior to morning and noon meals.

Forrestal Lecture

Generally a once-a-semester address to the Brigade and public by a well-known speaker from outside the Academy.

FPW

Acronym for Firstie Parent Weekend - Generally held in September.

Fry

An indictment from a large number of demerits which may result in restriction depending on the offense.

Goat Court

Either of two enclosed areas of Bancroft Hall formed by Bancroft's third wing in the First Regiment and by Bancroft's fourth wing in the Second Regiment. The rooms overlooking the goat courts have a view of a lower roof below with no trees or shrubbery to soften the view and it is noisy.

Gouge

Assistance or a shortcut to information on any subject.

Graduation Salute

First salute give by a new ensign or second lieutenant following graduation. By custom, the recipient of the salute receives a silver dollar.

Head

Navy-wide term for a toilet.

Herndon

Symbolic end of Plebe year; Plebes climb the Herndon monument, a 21-foot granite obelisk.

HERO

Acronym for human education resource officer; providing support to the chain of command relating to human relations issues and to help resolve peer issues within the company.

High and Tight

A Marine haircut, very close on the sides and short on top.

Honor Concept

A statement dictating behavior at USNA; "Midshipmen will not lie, cheat or steal."

Honor Nazi

Slang for any Midshipman who is diligent in turning in other Mids for honor offenses.

Hospital Point

Quasi-peninsula where the medical clinic is located and most 1/C Midshipmen park their cars.

Hundreds Night

On a February night, 100 days from graduation.

I-Day

Induction Day for the Plebes; the start of Plebe Summer.

Intercessional

One of three periods: prior to reform, following winter vacation and prior to Commissioning Week.

International Ball

Spring brigade-wide dance that draws foreign officers and embassy personnel from the international community as well as foreign-exchange students from nearby schools.

JCS

Acronym for Joint Chiefs of Staff.

JO

Acronym for Junior Officer.

Johnny

A student at St. John's College.

King Hall

The mess or where Midshipmen eat.

Leatherneck

A four-week training course conducted by Marines at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. Topics covered include amphibious assault and ground warfare.

LANTPATRAMID

Acronym for Atlantic Professional Afloat Training for Mi