Plebes take first steps into their careers in the Navy at academy Induction Day

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - John Tracey, 18, of Owings Mills, stood in line at the U.S. Naval Academy with 1,200 others to sign his name, and the next six years of his life, over to the Navy.

“I know what’s out there, and I’m willing to serve my country,” said Tracey, who has several family members in the military.

“I know that at the academy, I’m going to get thrown around a bit.”

Tracey and the other plebes were wide-eyed during Wednesday’s Induction Day as they took the first steps of their military careers that could lead them to battle zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To date, 4,112 U.S. military members have died in Iraq, of which 862 were from the Marines and 80 from the Navy, according to the Department of Defense.

Some plebes, like Tracey, followed their parents’ lead and took their higher education into the military.

Others, like Diana Berrera, 18, of Harlingen, Texas, saw the academy as an opportunity for a free college education. Berrera said she comes from a low-income family and has no military background.

Berrera wept as her long dark locks were cut by a barber and covered the floor around her. All women must have their hair shorter than their collars. Men are completely shaved.

“I’ve jumped into something I knew nothing about,” Berrera said. “So far, I’m still on board.”

The plebes are pushed through the registration process, which includes  the plebe uniform, rule book, medical exam and a quick practice at saluting. They can back out of the academy during the process.

One woman exited the haircut station smiling at a leisurely stroll. Immediately a cadre yelled at her to stop smiling and move quicker.

“Most of the plebes are used to having their moms and dads, and having everything perfect. Now they have someone telling them everything they do is wrong,” said  Midshipman 1st Class Maria Gutierrez-Borja, one of the cadres.

Sixty-nine of the plebes have served as enlisted personnel, and six of those have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Before the plebes are shuffled off to their dorm rooms, they must hold up and read a small blue book close to their faces. That book lists the moral code, military rules and guidance the midshipmen will need for the next four years.

jflanagan@baltimoreexaminer.com

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