The Plebes from the U.S. Naval Academy’s class of 2013 raise their right hand as they recite the oath of office at the U.S. Naval Academy Tecumseh Court. I-Day is the beginning of Plebe Summer, a demanding, seven-week orientation that marks the period that selected candidates to the Naval Academy are transformed from civilians to midshipman. The class of 2014 I-Day will be July 1. U.S. Navy photo by Shannon O’ Connor.

‘‘I-Day” kicks off six-weeks of military indoctrination known as Plebe Summer, which prepares the incoming students for the challenges of midshipman life at the academy. During ‘‘I-Day incoming plebes will receive their uniforms, go through medical examinations, complete registration, and line up at Alumni Hall for hair cuts.

After taking the oath of office that evening, during a ceremony held in Tecumseh Court, the new midshipmen will say their farewells to families and friends, and enter Bancroft Hall to commence training.

Plebe Summer is a rigorous program designed to mold civilians into midshipmen. Days start before sunrise with mandatory physical training. The remainder of the day is loaded with military and physical training, drills and instruction into the military lifestyle. Days are planned down to the minute, with little rest between reveille and taps. Stress levels are usually high; there is much to be accomplished.

During the training, plebes are led and trained by their upperclassmen in areas such as seamanship, boat handling, navigation and small arms training. But most importantly, they develop discipline, honor, courage, commitment, self-confidence and organization, which will give them the foundation to become midshipmen and eventually successful Navy and Marine Corps officers.

Prior to reporting for duty the academy sent each plebe the ‘‘Reef Point” handbook. The book is filled with information about the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the Naval Academy, their administrative chain of command, the academy's mission and the first three general orders of a sentry.

On their fifth week of training, plebes will reunite with their families for the first time since beginning Plebe Summer at the Plebe Parents’ Weekend.