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{{Short description|Preparatory school for the United States Naval Academy}}
{{Infobox University
{{More citations needed|date=February 2015}}
|name = Naval Academy Preparatory School
{{Infobox university
|image = <!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:NAPSseal.JPG]] -->
| name = Naval Academy Prep School
|motto = Success from Knowledge (Ex Scienta, Succesus)
| image = NAPS IMAGE.jpg
|established = 1915
| caption = Crest of the Naval Academy Preparatory School
|type = [[United States military academies|Federal military academy prep school]]
|head = J.J. Cunha CAPT USN
| motto = Success from Knowledge (Ex Scienta, Succesus)
|city = [[Newport, Rhode Island|Newport]]
| established = 1915
|state = [[Rhode Island]]
| parent = United States Naval Academy
|country = [[United States]]
| type = [[United States military academies|Federal military academy prep school]]
| head_label = Commanding Officer
|enrollment = approximately 300 students
|staff = approximately 40 faculty
| head = Captain Thomas E. Clarity, USN (2023–present)
|campus = At [[NETC Newport]]
| city = [[Newport, Rhode Island|Newport]]
| state = [[Rhode Island]]
|free_label = Athletics
|free = 11 varsity teams, called "Naval Rams"
| country = United States
| enrollment = approximately 250 students
|colors = Navy Blue <span style="color:#000080;">█</span> and Gold <span style="color:#FDD017;">█</span>|
| administrative_staff = around 20 military faculty and around 40 civilian employees
website = [http://www.usna.edu/naps The official NAPS website]
| campus = At [[Naval Station Newport]]
| free_label = Athletics
| colors = Navy blue <span style="color:#00205B;">█</span> and gold <span style="color:#C5B783;">█</span>
| website = {{url|www.usna.edu/naps}}
}}
}}
The '''Naval Academy Preparatory School''' or '''NAPS''' is the [[University-preparatory school|preparatory school]] for the [[United States Naval Academy]] (USNA). NAPS is located on [[Naval Station Newport]], [[Rhode Island]]. The mission of the Naval Academy Preparatory School is "To enhance Midshipman Candidates' moral, mental, and physical foundations to prepare them for success at the United States Naval Academy".<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://www.usna.edu/NAPS/ |title=Naval Academy Preparatory School :: Naval Academy Preparatory School :: USNA |publisher=Usna.edu |access-date=2014-04-30}}</ref>

The '''Naval Academy Preparatory School''' or '''NAPS''' is the [[University-preparatory school|preparatory school]] for the [[United States Naval Academy]]. NAPS is located on a hill at [[Naval Station Newport]], Rhode Island. The mission of the Naval Academy Preparatory School is "To enhance Midshipman Candidates' moral, mental, and physical foundations to prepare them for success at the United States Naval Academy".<ref>http://www.usna.edu/NAPS/</ref> The student body, which is organized as a Battalion is divided into three Companies which are then divided into two Platoons each. Each platoon from there is divided into four squads in order to carry out orders with effective results. While the students attend the NAPS they hold the rank of an E-1 which is the equivalent of a Seaman Recruit, but they claim the title of a Midshipman Candidate.<ref>"Naval Academy Preparatory School Reefpoints." MS. Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport.</ref> A common nickname for a Midshipmen Candidates is "NAPSter".<ref>"Naval Academy Preparatory School Reefpoints." MS. Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport.</ref>


==History==
==History==
The Naval Academy Preparatory School is the Navy's fourth oldest school; only the [[Naval War College]], the [[Naval Postgraduate School]], and the United States Naval Academy at [[Annapolis, Maryland]] are older. Informal preparatory classes began as early as 1915.


In 1918, the [[Secretary of the Navy]] [[Josephus Daniels]] signed a provision to have up to 100 sailors from the fleet to be eligible for entry to the Academy. Due to the difficult nature of the Naval Academy's entrance examination, then [[Undersecretary of the Navy]] [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt|Franklin D. Roosevelt]] (future 32nd President) also allowed for a school to be founded to prepare Sailors and Marines for entry.
The Naval Academy Preparatory School is the Navy’s fourth oldest school; only the [[Naval War College]], the [[Naval Postgraduate School]], and the [[United States Naval Academy|Naval Academy]] are older. Informal preparatory classes began as early as 1915.


The first official classes were established at [[Newport Naval Station, RI|Naval Station, Newport]] in [[Rhode Island]] and [[Naval Station Treasure Island|Naval Station Treasure Island / San Francisco]] in [[California]] in 1920. A year later the schools were moved to [[Norfolk, Virginia]] and [[San Diego, California]]. San Diego classes were later disestablished and NAPS classes remained solely in Norfolk until 1942, when the new Naval Academy Preparatory School opened in Newport, Rhode Island.
In 1918, the [[Secretary of the Navy]] [[Josephus Daniels]] signed a provision to have up to 100 sailors from the fleet to be eligible for entry to the Academy. Due to the difficult nature of the Naval Academy's entrance examination, then [[Undersecretary of the Navy]] [[Franklin Delano Roosevelt|Franklin D. Roosevelt]] also allowed for a school to be founded to prepare Sailors and Marines for entry.


In early 1943, NAPS moved to the [[United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge]], a facility of several hundred acres located above the [[Susquehanna River]] in [[Port Deposit, Maryland]] at the former [[Tome School]] campus, some {{convert|40|miles}} northeast of [[Baltimore, Maryland]]. NAPS returned to Newport while the Bainbridge Center was temporarily inactive during 15 months around 1950. When Bainbridge was reactivated in 1951 because of the [[Korean War]], the preparatory school returned to [[Maryland]]. In August 1974, NAPS returned to its permanent home in Newport and in 2006, named their newly built dormitory in honor of alumnus Colonel [[John Ripley (USMC)|John Ripley]]<ref name="autogenerated2" /><ref name="Store">{{cite web |title=NAPS - Naval Academy Preparatory School |url=https://go.navyonline.com/blog/naval-academy-preparator-school |access-date=9 November 2021 |website=navyonline.com |publisher=U.S. Naval Academy Store}}</ref>
The first official classes were established at [[Newport Naval Station, RI|Naval Station, Newport]] and Naval Station, San Francisco in 1920. A year later the schools were moved to Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. San Diego classes were disestablished and NAPS classes remained solely in Norfolk until 1942, when the new Naval Academy Preparatory School opened in Newport, RI.


From 1915 to 1968 NAPS was exclusively for Sailors and Marines who were of "Officer Caliber" but lacked the academic foundation for the rigors at the USNA. In 1968, the first male "Direct Entries" were admitted to NAPS. Following the congressional authorization of women to attend all military service academies, women were admitted in 1976.
In early 1943, NAPS moved to the [[United States Naval Training Center, Bainbridge]], a facility of several hundred acres located above the [[Susquehanna River]], some {{convert|40| miles}} northeast of [[Baltimore, Maryland]]. NAPS returned to Newport while the Bainbridge Center was temporarily inactive during a 15-month period around 1950. When Bainbridge was reactivated in 1951 because of the Korean War, the preparatory school returned to Maryland. In August 1974, NAPS returned to its permanent home in Newport.


Although NAPS primarily serves as an institution to prepare midshipman candidates to attend the USNA; from the years 1958 to 2008 it also began to prepare cadet candidates for the [[United States Air Force Academy]] (1958–1961) and the [[United States Coast Guard Academy]] (1979–2008, 2016–present) and, midshipman candidates for the [[United States Merchant Marine Academy]] (1991 to 2004).
In the 1970s, civilian applicants began to be considered for entry and women were first admitted to NAPS in 1975 following congressional authorization of women to attend all service academies.
[[File:US Naval Station Newport aerial view in 2010.JPG|thumb|Aerial view of [[Naval Station Newport]] ]]

In 1979, NAPS began preparing prospective Coast Guard Academy students. The Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, selected students for assignment to NAPS.

In 2006, The Naval Academy Preparatory School named their newly built dormitory in honor of alumnus Colonel John Ripley. Ripley Hall is located on 440 Meyerkord Ave <ref>http://www.usna.edu/NAPS/</ref> in Newport Rhode Island.<ref>"Ripley Hall Dedication Ceremony." Ripley Hall Dedication Ceremony. USNA Alumni Staff, 13 July 2006. Web. 27 Jan. 2011. <http://www.usna.com/NAPS/images/photos/07/august/ripley/pages/IMG_0627.htm>.</ref>

In 2008, The Coast Guard Academy stopped sending Cadets to NAPS.


==Admissions==
==Admissions==
Admission to NAPS is based on application to USNA; USNA may offer assignment to NAPS to some applicants who otherwise would be accepted but require additional academic preparation and will be no younger than 17 years of age and not yet 23 years of age when NAPS Indoctrination begins. (The same is true for a small number applications via the United States Coast Guard.)<ref>{{Cite web |title=General |url=https://www.usna.edu/NAPS/FAQ.php#panel1HowdoIapplytoattendNAPS |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=www.usna.edu |language=en}}</ref>
It was once possible for enlisted sailors and Marines to apply directly to NAPS for admission. However in the late 1980s, NAPS was brought under the authority of the USNA Superintendent and the admissions process was unified. Since then, students must apply for admission directly to the U.S. Naval Academy. Those students who are deemed qualified but who may require an extra year of preparation may be offered an appointment to NAPS. Selected civilian applicants offered admission to NAPS enlist in the Navy as E-1's without the ability to advance. They do not go through bootcamp, and at the end of the school year will be separated from the service. At Indoctrination day (I-Day) at the Naval Academy, those "NAPSters" will sign another obligation as Midshipmen. The "prior" enlisted (though in reality, they are still enlisted until I-Day) will continue their obligation until at the Academy, a new contract is drawn.


To gain admission to the United States Naval Academy upon graduation, Midshipman Candidates must have a GPA above 2.2, no failing grade in any subject, meet the body fat standards, pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT), improving or sustained course grades and SAT scores, favorable conduct and honor aptitude, and get a favorable recommendation from the Commanding Officer.<ref>http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/NAPS%20Information%20Brochure%20(AY2012-2013)%20docx.pdf Page 8</ref>
To gain admission to their respective academies upon graduation, midshipman/cadet candidates must have a grade point average (GPA) above 2.2, no failing grade in any subject, meet the body fat standards, pass the USNA's Physical Readiness Test (PRT), improving or sustained course grades and [[SAT]] scores, favorable conduct and honor aptitude, and get a favorable recommendation from the Commanding Officer.<ref name="Brochure">{{cite web|url=http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/NAPS%20Information%20Brochure%20(AY2012-2013%20docx.pdf |access-date=February 28, 2015 |title=NAPS Information Brochure (AY2012-2013) }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>


Midshipman candidates who might be below the standard may still have a chance of admission to the USNA. After finals are over, their fate is decided on a day known as Black Monday.{{According to whom|date=July 2023}}
==Daily Schedule==


==Organization==
0600-0730 Breakfast Chow
[[File:Students from Naval Academy Preparatory School stand in formation during a 9-11 commemoration ceremony at Naval Station Newport, R.I., Sept 140911-N-PX557-164.jpg|thumb|294x294px|Students standing in formation.]]
The student body, organized as a battalion, is divided into three companies, which are then divided into two platoons. Each platoon is divided into four squads in order to carry out orders with effective results. While attending NAPS, all midshipman candidates, affectionately known as "NAPSters",<ref name="autogenerated1" /> are on active duty military status,<ref name=Brochure/> holding the rank of Midshipman Candidate, equivalent to the Navy's Seaman Recruit, at the enlisted pay grade of E-1, although this is significantly reduced in an effort to allocate funds into the Battalion Activity Fund (BAF) and to pay off all debts owed due for issued uniforms and miscellaneous items. The BAF is used to pay for physical fitness clothing and equipment, textbooks and various student activity expenses, such as the Army-Navy game, Graduation Ball and the like.<ref name="autogenerated1">"Naval Academy Preparatory School Reefpoints." MS. Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport.</ref>


Within the battalion there exists a midshipman candidate-led [[command hierarchy|chain of command]]. Those holding positions of authority are called "stripers", because they wear collar devices with the number of stripes that are assigned to each position.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> Stripers are selected by the senior military staff and serve the term of one marking period,{{Clarify|reason=How long is this for?|date=July 2023}} after which they rotate out with new midshipmen candidates. The responsibilities of stripers are: delegating orders from the senior military staff to the students, taking accountability of the battalion, writing the watchbill for other students, organizing their respective companies and platoons for each event the midshipmen candidates attend, and maintaining general cleanliness of Ripley Hall. The head of the entire battalion is the Battalion Commander, Battalion Executive Officer (XO), and MA{{Clarify|reason=What does MA stand for? Unable to locate this role on NAPS organizational charts|date=July 2023}}. The Battalion XO is in charge of Taps sheets, a nightly process that ensures all midshipman/cadet candidates are accounted.
0740-0855 1st Period


==Athletics==
0905-1020 2nd Period
NAPS athletics consist of football, lacrosse, men's and women's basketball, baseball, wrestling, men's and women's track & field, and men's and women's cross country running.<ref name=autogenerated2/> Most of the athletes will move on to their respective sports at either the [[USNA]] or the [[USCGA]] after successful completion of their year at NAPS. Midshipmen candidates that are not on any of the school teams, as well as athletes during their sports off-season, must participate in daily physical training. Each midshipman candidate will take the USNA's Physical Readiness Test (PRT), four times throughout the school year. The midshipman candidate must pass the PRT in order to move on to the [[USNA]] or the [[USCGA]].<ref name=autogenerated2/>


In 1998, a NAPS platoon created the chant [[I believe that we will win!]] and used it at NAPS sporting events. Those NAPSters then brought the chant with them to the [[USNA]] where the cheer team adopted it for its sporting events.<ref name="Eisenberg">{{cite web |last1=Eisenberg |first1=Jeff |title=The improbable story of how the trendiest chant in sports began |url=http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/the-improbable-story-of-how-the-trendiest-chant-in-sports-began-040228934.html |website=Yahoo!Sports |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=9 November 2021}}</ref>
1030-1145 3rd Period


==Notable Alumni==
1150-1255 Lunch Chow
* Commander [[Ernest E. Evans]], USN ([[Killed in action|KIA]]) - NAPS 1927, USNA 1931, commander [[USS Johnston (DD-557)|USS ''Johnston'']], posthumous [[Medal of Honor]] recipient
* Captain [[William Lederer]], USN (ret.) - 1930/1931 NAPS, USNA 1936, author, former special assistant, [[United States Indo-Pacific Command]]
* Colonel [[John Ripley (USMC)|John Ripley]], USMC (ret.) - NAPS 1958, USNA 1962, [[2nd Force Reconnaissance Company]], [[Navy Cross]] recipient
* Captain [[Lance Sijan]], USAF - NAPS 1961, USAFA 1965, Vietnam War [[POW]], posthumous [[Medal of Honor]] recipient
* General [[Michael J. Williams (general)|Michael J. Williams]], USMC (ret.) - NAPS 1963, USNA 1967, former [[Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps]]
* General [[John R. Allen]], USMC (ret.) - NAPS 1972, USNA 1976, former commander, [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] and [[Resolute Support Mission|Operation Resolute Support]]
* Admiral [[Samuel J. Locklear]], III, USN (ret.) - NAPS 1973, USNA 1977, former commander, [[United States Indo-Pacific Command]]
* Vice Admiral [[Robert Harward]], USN (ret.) - NAPS 1975, USNA 1979, [[SEAL Team 3]], former deputy commander, [[United States Central Command]]
* Lieutenant Commander [[Montel Williams]] USN/USMC (ret.) - NAPS 1976, USNA 1980, former naval cryptologic officer, television host
* Rear Admiral [[Peter Gumataotao]], USN (ret.) - NAPS 1977, USNA 1981, former commander, [[Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic|Naval Surface Force Atlantic]]
* Vice Admiral [[Timothy Szymanski|Tim Szymanski]], USN (ret.) - NAPS 1981, USNA 1985, former deputy commander, [[United States Special Operations Command]]
* Lieutenant General [[Matthew G. Glavy]], USMC - NAPS 1982, USNA 1986, Deputy Commandant for Information<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=LinkClick.aspx |url=https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=wRmZ12cR5RA%3D&portalid=61 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919014401/https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=wRmZ12cR5RA%3D&portalid=61 |archive-date=19 September 2021 |access-date=9 July 2023 |website=Headquarters Marine Corps}}</ref>
* Major General [[Austin E. Renforth]], USMC (ret.) - NAPS 1984, USNA 1988, former commanding general, [[Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center]]
* Captain [[Christopher J. Cassidy]], USN (ret.) - NAPS 1989, USNA 1993, [[SEAL Team 3]], [[NASA]] astronaut
* First Lieutenant [[Malcolm Perry (American football)|Malcolm Perry]], USMC - USNA 2020, retired [[NFL]] player,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Socci's View: While the NFL offers a 'Salute to Service,' a former Patriot answers his call to serve |url=https://985thesportshub.com/listicle/soccis-view-while-the-nfl-offers-a-salute-to-service-a-former-patriot-answers-his-call-to-serve/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=98.5 The Sports Hub - Boston's Home For Sports |language=en}}</ref> aircraft maintenance officer


==Notable Past Military Staff==
1300-1415 4th Period
* General [[Jim Mattis|James Mattis]], USMC (ret.) - Executive Officer, 1981-1983

1415-1530 Extra Instruction

1530-1745 Physical Training/Varsity Sports

1730-1830 Dinner Chow

1900-2200 Study Hours

2200-2230 Platoon Cleaning

2230-2300 Personal Time

2300 TAPS

==Course of Instruction==
During the first three weeks upon reporting, Midshipman Candidates complete an indoctrination period to introduce them to a military life. All midshipmen candidates complete a standard course of study&mdash;[[calculus]], [[physics]], [[chemistry]], and [[English studies|English]]&mdash; as well as non-core classes such as [[Information Technology]], [[SAT]] preparation, and Learning Skills, in order to help them increase their knowledge and competitiveness at the United States Naval Academy. The academic year is divided into three trimesters. Varsity athletics are also offered, with encouragement of staff to develop themselves for a sport. Throughout the academic year the battalion of Midshipman Candidates take multiple Battalion-wide trips, including attending the Army Navy football game and a trip to New York City. Towards the end of this period (Indoc) the Midshipman Candidates take placement tests, based on how well the Midshipman Candidates do, they are placed in either foundation, intermediate, or advanced classes. Midshipmen candidates are also offered the opportunity to receive extra instruction during an E.I. (Extra Instruction) and study period. During the E.I. period, which starts immediate after the last class, professors and tutors are available for further academic help. While in Study period, which begins after evening meal, only tutors are available. These two time frames are used at the discretion of the students as long as it is academically oriented..

==Distinguished Graduates- Medal of Honor Recipients==

-2LT [[Robert D. Reem]], USMC, NAPS 44'
Korean War
-1LT [[Frank S. Reasoner]], USMC, NAPS 58'
Vietnam War
-Cpt [[Lance P. Sijan]], USAF, NAPS 61'
Vietnam War

==Alumni==

-GEN. [[John R. Allen]], USMC(ret.), NAPS 72'

-ADM.[[Samuel J. Locklear]], III, USN, NAPS 73' Commander U.S. Pacific Command

-RADM. Peter A. Gumataotao, USN, NAPS 77' Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic

-CAPT. William D Byrne, Jr., USN, NAPS 83' Commandant of Midshipmen

-COL. Bobbi Shea, USMC, NAPS 87' Deputy Commandant


==Stripers==
In the battalion of midshipmen candidates there exists a "striper" chain of command. The midshipmen candidates which hold these positions of authority are called "stripers" because they wear collar devices with the amount of stripes that are assigned to each position.<ref>"Naval Academy Preparatory School Reefpoints." MS. Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport.</ref> Stripers are selected by the military staff and serve the term of one marking period, after which they rotate out with new midshipmen candidates. The sole responsibility of a striper is to take accountability, they are otherwise equal to other midshipmen candidates.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references/>


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.usna.edu/NAPS/ Naval Academy Preparatory School's official website]
*[http://www.usna.edu/NAPS/ Naval Academy Preparatory School's official website]
*[http://www.usna.com/naps/ NAPS Parent Page]
*[http://www.usna.edu/ United States Naval Academy's official website]
*[http://www.usna.edu/ United States Naval Academy's official website]
*[http://www.uscga.edu/ United States Coast Guard Academy's official website]
*[http://www.uscga.edu/ United States Coast Guard Academy's official website]
{{Naval Station Newport|state=autocollapse}}
*[https://blackboard.usna.edu/bbcswebdav/orgs/NAPS-ACADEMIC-DEPTS/Public%20Web%20Content/NAPS%20Brochure%20Class%202010%20-%20FINAL.pdf?ticket=mI0RPNZQ NAPS Student Brochure]
{{USNA}}
*[http://www.usnaprep.com/ Prepare for the US Naval Academy]
{{United States federal service academies}}
http://www.slideshare.net/NAPS-Admin/naps-brief-153-03-parents-weekend-13-oct-08-facebook-post

{{United States military academies and colleges}}
{{US military navbox}}
{{US military navbox}}


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[[Category:Military high schools in the United States]]
[[Category:Military high schools in the United States]]
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[[Category:United States Coast Guard Academy]]
[[Category:United States Coast Guard Academy]]
[[Category:United States Merchant Marine Academy]]
[[Category:United States Merchant Marine Academy]]
[[Category:1915 establishments in Rhode Island]]

Latest revision as of 13:53, 15 August 2024

Naval Academy Prep School
Crest of the Naval Academy Preparatory School
MottoSuccess from Knowledge (Ex Scienta, Succesus)
TypeFederal military academy prep school
Established1915
Parent institution
United States Naval Academy
Commanding OfficerCaptain Thomas E. Clarity, USN (2023–present)
Administrative staff
around 20 military faculty and around 40 civilian employees
Studentsapproximately 250 students
Location
Newport
,
Rhode Island
,
United States
CampusAt Naval Station Newport
ColorsNavy blue █ and gold █
Websitewww.usna.edu/naps

The Naval Academy Preparatory School or NAPS is the preparatory school for the United States Naval Academy (USNA). NAPS is located on Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. The mission of the Naval Academy Preparatory School is "To enhance Midshipman Candidates' moral, mental, and physical foundations to prepare them for success at the United States Naval Academy".[1]

History

[edit]

The Naval Academy Preparatory School is the Navy's fourth oldest school; only the Naval War College, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland are older. Informal preparatory classes began as early as 1915.

In 1918, the Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels signed a provision to have up to 100 sailors from the fleet to be eligible for entry to the Academy. Due to the difficult nature of the Naval Academy's entrance examination, then Undersecretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt (future 32nd President) also allowed for a school to be founded to prepare Sailors and Marines for entry.

The first official classes were established at Naval Station, Newport in Rhode Island and Naval Station Treasure Island / San Francisco in California in 1920. A year later the schools were moved to Norfolk, Virginia and San Diego, California. San Diego classes were later disestablished and NAPS classes remained solely in Norfolk until 1942, when the new Naval Academy Preparatory School opened in Newport, Rhode Island.

In early 1943, NAPS moved to the United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge, a facility of several hundred acres located above the Susquehanna River in Port Deposit, Maryland at the former Tome School campus, some 40 miles (64 km) northeast of Baltimore, Maryland. NAPS returned to Newport while the Bainbridge Center was temporarily inactive during 15 months around 1950. When Bainbridge was reactivated in 1951 because of the Korean War, the preparatory school returned to Maryland. In August 1974, NAPS returned to its permanent home in Newport and in 2006, named their newly built dormitory in honor of alumnus Colonel John Ripley[1][2]

From 1915 to 1968 NAPS was exclusively for Sailors and Marines who were of "Officer Caliber" but lacked the academic foundation for the rigors at the USNA. In 1968, the first male "Direct Entries" were admitted to NAPS. Following the congressional authorization of women to attend all military service academies, women were admitted in 1976.

Although NAPS primarily serves as an institution to prepare midshipman candidates to attend the USNA; from the years 1958 to 2008 it also began to prepare cadet candidates for the United States Air Force Academy (1958–1961) and the United States Coast Guard Academy (1979–2008, 2016–present) and, midshipman candidates for the United States Merchant Marine Academy (1991 to 2004).

Aerial view of Naval Station Newport

Admissions

[edit]

Admission to NAPS is based on application to USNA; USNA may offer assignment to NAPS to some applicants who otherwise would be accepted but require additional academic preparation and will be no younger than 17 years of age and not yet 23 years of age when NAPS Indoctrination begins. (The same is true for a small number applications via the United States Coast Guard.)[3]

To gain admission to their respective academies upon graduation, midshipman/cadet candidates must have a grade point average (GPA) above 2.2, no failing grade in any subject, meet the body fat standards, pass the USNA's Physical Readiness Test (PRT), improving or sustained course grades and SAT scores, favorable conduct and honor aptitude, and get a favorable recommendation from the Commanding Officer.[4]

Midshipman candidates who might be below the standard may still have a chance of admission to the USNA. After finals are over, their fate is decided on a day known as Black Monday.[according to whom?]

Organization

[edit]
Students standing in formation.

The student body, organized as a battalion, is divided into three companies, which are then divided into two platoons. Each platoon is divided into four squads in order to carry out orders with effective results. While attending NAPS, all midshipman candidates, affectionately known as "NAPSters",[5] are on active duty military status,[4] holding the rank of Midshipman Candidate, equivalent to the Navy's Seaman Recruit, at the enlisted pay grade of E-1, although this is significantly reduced in an effort to allocate funds into the Battalion Activity Fund (BAF) and to pay off all debts owed due for issued uniforms and miscellaneous items. The BAF is used to pay for physical fitness clothing and equipment, textbooks and various student activity expenses, such as the Army-Navy game, Graduation Ball and the like.[5]

Within the battalion there exists a midshipman candidate-led chain of command. Those holding positions of authority are called "stripers", because they wear collar devices with the number of stripes that are assigned to each position.[5] Stripers are selected by the senior military staff and serve the term of one marking period,[clarification needed] after which they rotate out with new midshipmen candidates. The responsibilities of stripers are: delegating orders from the senior military staff to the students, taking accountability of the battalion, writing the watchbill for other students, organizing their respective companies and platoons for each event the midshipmen candidates attend, and maintaining general cleanliness of Ripley Hall. The head of the entire battalion is the Battalion Commander, Battalion Executive Officer (XO), and MA[clarification needed]. The Battalion XO is in charge of Taps sheets, a nightly process that ensures all midshipman/cadet candidates are accounted.

Athletics

[edit]

NAPS athletics consist of football, lacrosse, men's and women's basketball, baseball, wrestling, men's and women's track & field, and men's and women's cross country running.[1] Most of the athletes will move on to their respective sports at either the USNA or the USCGA after successful completion of their year at NAPS. Midshipmen candidates that are not on any of the school teams, as well as athletes during their sports off-season, must participate in daily physical training. Each midshipman candidate will take the USNA's Physical Readiness Test (PRT), four times throughout the school year. The midshipman candidate must pass the PRT in order to move on to the USNA or the USCGA.[1]

In 1998, a NAPS platoon created the chant I believe that we will win! and used it at NAPS sporting events. Those NAPSters then brought the chant with them to the USNA where the cheer team adopted it for its sporting events.[6]

Notable Alumni

[edit]

Notable Past Military Staff

[edit]
  • General James Mattis, USMC (ret.) - Executive Officer, 1981-1983

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Naval Academy Preparatory School :: Naval Academy Preparatory School :: USNA". Usna.edu. Retrieved 2014-04-30.
  2. ^ "NAPS - Naval Academy Preparatory School". navyonline.com. U.S. Naval Academy Store. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  3. ^ "General". www.usna.edu. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  4. ^ a b "NAPS Information Brochure (AY2012-2013)" (PDF). Retrieved February 28, 2015.[dead link‍]
  5. ^ a b c "Naval Academy Preparatory School Reefpoints." MS. Naval Academy Preparatory School, Newport.
  6. ^ Eisenberg, Jeff (20 June 2014). "The improbable story of how the trendiest chant in sports began". Yahoo!Sports. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  7. ^ "LinkClick.aspx". Headquarters Marine Corps. Archived from the original on 19 September 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  8. ^ "Socci's View: While the NFL offers a 'Salute to Service,' a former Patriot answers his call to serve". 98.5 The Sports Hub - Boston's Home For Sports. Retrieved 2023-07-09.
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41°31′06″N 71°19′24″W / 41.518399°N 71.323254°W / 41.518399; -71.323254

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