On a sweltering Thursday in June,
over 1,100 incoming freshman, or plebes,
arrive at the United States Naval Academy,
where future officers prepare to be commissioned
into the US Navy and Marine Corps.
Beth Regoli: To be accepted into the United States
Naval Academy, it's a very rigorous process,
it's a very competitive process.
Officer: How are you?
Narrator: We were there for day one,
known as Induction Day, or I-Day,
which marks the beginning of their time at Annapolis.
Plebe: I knew I wanted to serve my country,
so I knew I wanted to join the military.
Plebe: I just wanna do something bigger than myself.
Woman: I'm just so proud of him.
We have worked really long and hard for this moment,
and we just feel like all the hard work pays off.
Officer: Morning, welcome aboard.
Narrator: I-Day kicks off Plebe Summer,
a challenging six-week basic-training program
that all future midshipmen are required to complete.
Rob Mathewson: It's a difficult program
designed to be that way,
because what we're developing here,
the leaders that we're developing,
we expect to be enduring leaders.
Narrator: Just over 7% of the more than 16,000 applicants
were admitted to the Academy.
Twenty-six percent of the incoming class is female.
Plebe: It's pretty amazing to go in with my twin sister.
We've always had a really special bond.
Narrator: And 40% is represented by minorities.
Regoli: This incoming class is probably
one of our most diverse in recent years.
We want everybody to be on the same, even playing field,
so that we can build a common foundation
for them to continue to grow upon.
Narrator: Located just 32 miles from Baltimore,
the Academy is situated on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay.
It was founded in 1845
by Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft.
Newsreel reporter: Annapolis graduation
and ship assignments for fleet duty
go out to 384 new ensigns.
So, it's goodbye to midshipmen days, and into officer-hood.
Then, to the seven seas,
the call of duty for these new officers of a mighty fleet.
Chaplain: Good morning, big guy, what's your name?
Plebe: Matthew Newton.
Chaplain: Where are you from? Plebe: Alabama.
Narrator: Once inside Alumni Hall,
the plebes follow a green line
that takes them through 23 different processing stations.
Officer: Line up by your last name,
Permit to Report packet out.
Narrator: The second station gives the plebes
one last chance to discreetly dispose
of any fake IDs, alcohol, or drugs.
The plebes are breathalyzed
and screened by medical personnel.
Officer: 68!
Narrator: Female plebes have to take a pregnancy test.
Woman: Here you go, enjoy. Plebe: Thank you.
Narrator: Each plebe is issued a 225-page book
called "Reef Points"
that introduces them to the Navy and the Naval Academy.
Plebes are expected to memorize
more than 1,000 facts in the book.
Woman: You're gonna love it.
Narrator: Which they'll be tested on
throughout the summer.
Before they get their uniforms,
all plebes have to make one more stop: the barbershop.
Barber: There you go.
Narrator: Male plebes shave their heads.
Plebe: Oh, my God.
Narrator: Female plebes can wear their hair
in a tight bun.
Otherwise, it must be no longer than chin-length.
Then, it's time for the plebes to get their gear.
After uniform issue, they transfer
all of their belongings into a single bag.
(drum cadence)
Officer: So, the first basic response, repeat after me,
is, "Sir, yes sir." Plebes: Sir, yes sir.
Officer: "Sir, no sir." Plebes: Sir, no sir.
Narrator: Before leaving Alumni Hall,
they learn the Navy's basic customs and courtesies,
including the proper way to salute.
After that, the plebes head to their dorm
at Bancroft Hall.
Detailer: What's your company?
Narrator: And assemble on an area known as Red Beach.
Detailer: Charlie! Charlie!
Plebe: Charlie Five.
Detailer: Charlie Five?
Whoa, whoa, whoa, Charlie Five's down there.
Detailer: What do you keep smirking for?
You really think this is a game or something?
Narrator: A select group of third-year midshipmen
are known as detailers.
Detailer: No running, just walk fast.
Narrator: And are tasked with teaching
proper protocol to the plebes.
Detailer: Now, study, and know the entire
chain of command, do you understand me?
Plebe: Sir, yes sir.
Narrator: And to correct them when necessary.
Detailer: Your left hand,
what do you think is wrong with it?
That's right, I don't even have to tell you, right?
'Cause you knew it was wrong.
So don't let it happen again.
Don't shake your head.
Zachary Willford: These detailers have a genuine concern
for every single one of these men and women
coming into our class,
because these are the members
that are gonna be part of our family, come fall.
Detailer: Tuck it in, get it away, get it away,
Sir, aye, aye, sir. Plebe: Sir, aye, aye, sir.
Willford: These are the ones that we're gonna serve with
in the future, and they want them
to be the best that they can possibly be.
Narrator: Tuition at Annapolis is free,
but midshipmen commit to five years
of active-duty service after graduation.
While at Annapolis, midshipmen receive a salary
of $1,087 per month.
After graduation, the money they save
will be waiting for them.
Family members gather for one last look
at the class of 2023 before Plebe Summer begins.
Everything the plebes learn on I-Day
culminates in the Oath Ceremony,
held in Tecumseh Court. Officer: Face!
Officer: Class of 2023, please rise.
Do you solemnly swear that you will support and defend
the Constitution of the United States?
And that you will well and faithfully discharge
the duty of the office upon which you are about to enter,
so help you, God?
Plebes: I do!
Narrator: After taking the oath,
the plebes get 45 minutes to spend with their families.
And to eat, since this is the last meal they'll get
that isn't cooked in the Academy mess hall.
After 45 minutes, the plebes have to say goodbye.
Willford: Regiment, a-ten-hut!
Narrator: The 1,100 new plebes
march into Bancroft Hall.
And when the doors close,
their journey to becoming midshipmen officially begins.
(crowd cheers)