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Glossary of USNA Terminology & Acronyms

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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.

 

         
ACTRAMID Academic Training for Midshipmen (Now known as Service Week)

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADEO

 

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

 

         
  All-Calls   The chow calls (daily menu) recited by Plebes.  
         
  Alpha Code   A unique six-digit number assigned to all Midshipmen, which is used to identify nearly everything they have. The first two numbers indicate the graduation year.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

         
  AOIC   Acronym for Assistant Officer-in-charge.  
         
  AOM   Acronym for Academic Order of Merit, and indicates the academic status compared the other classmates.  
         
  API   Acronym for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination - the classroom portion of flight school.  
         
  AQT/FAR   Acronym for Aviation Qualification Test/Flight Aptitude Rating. The two-part exam tests math and flying skills. It is taken during the second-class year. A passing grade is required for those interested in flight school.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

         
  ASW   Acronym for Anti-Submarine Warfare.  
         

 

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.

 

         
  Billet   A place or position, used throughout the Navy.  
 

 

 

 

 
 

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.

 
         
  Blue & Gold   Navy's colors and the Naval Academy's alma mater.  
         
  BOQ   Acronym for bachelor officer quarters  
         
  BEQ   Acronym for bachelor enlisted quarters  
         
  BOOW   Acronym for battalion officer of the watch. Also called a "Bow Wow."  

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOV

 

Board of Visitors

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

Brigade

 

The entire group of Midshipmen.

 
         
  BUD/s   Acronym for Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal School  
         
 

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.

 
         
  CMOW   Acronym for company Midshipman officer of the watch.  
         
  CNO   Acronym for Chief of Naval Operations.  
         
 

CO

  Navy-wide term, short for commanding or company officer.  
 

 

     
 

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

  Basic unit of organization within the Brigade; each company has about 140 Midshipmen.  
 

 

     
 

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.

 
         
  CORTRAMID   Acronym for Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen. A four-week summer program aimed at familiarizing Midshipmen in Aviation, Surface, Sub-service and Marine Corps.  
 

 

     
 

Cover

  A Midshipmen's hat  
 

 

     
 

CQRP

  Cumulative Quality Point Rating (GPA equivalent)  
         
 

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.

 
         
  IFS   Acronym for Introductory Flight Syllabus. An introductory flight program that prepares Mids and/or grads for the Navy's aviation program.  
 

 

 

 

 
 

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