Firstie yearU.S. Naval Academy · First class

Duties

First class midshipmen lead the plebe indoctrination program in Plebe Summer¹. By first class year, "you are making daily decisions affecting the morale and performance of other midshipmen"¹. A first class midshipman serves as Brigade Commander, and USNA picks a new one each semester¹².

These milestones are described, with sources, in the sections on this page.

Summer training before first class year

You act as a division officer in training. Options include surface, submarine, aviation, Special Warfare (SEAL), and EOD cruises, plus Marine Corps training (Leatherneck and Marine Air-Ground Task Force). The experience helps you decide your preferences "prior to service assignment during your final fall semester"¹. The Summer at USNA page adds that midshipmen interested in the Marine Corps may attend a four-week officer candidate course at Quantico, and some may do a four-week internship³.

Privileges

12 base overnight weekends per semester⁴. First class midshipmen "may drive a car in Annapolis and on the Naval Academy"⁵. No midshipman may have a motorcycle⁵.

Service selection timing

Midshipmen pick from 22 Navy and Marine Corps career fields and "submit up to six of their service assignment preferences in late August" of first class year. The Class of 2026 got its assignments in November 2025. About 79% got their first choice, and 94% got their first or second⁶. Assignments weigh Navy requirements as well as aptitude and preference⁶. Future Surface Warfare Officers then choose their first ships at Ship Selection Night in winter⁶.

When it becomes binding: We didn't find this point stated on the official pages we reviewed. Ask the academy.

After graduation: Navy ensign or Marine Corps second lieutenant⁷. Minimum obligation: "at least five years"⁷.

Midshipmen are generally granted leave for Thanksgiving, end of fall semester, spring mid-term, a short liberty period before Commissioning Week, and three weeks of summer vacation¹⁵. Liberty depends on duty, performance, and seniority, and USNA notes schedules "are subject to change with little prior notice"⁵⁸. Optional summer school replaces summer leave³.