DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT OF MIDSHIPMEN UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY 101 BUCHANAN ROAD ANNAPOLIS MARYLAND 21402-5107 COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121 OPS SEP o 6 2016 COMMANDANT OF MIDSHIPMEN NOTICE 3121 From: Conunandant of Midshipmen St:tbj: MIDSHIPMEN PROCEDURES FOR THE 2016 FOOTBALL SEASON Ref: (a) COMDTMIDNINST 4653.1P (b) COMDTMIDNINST 5400.6S Encl: (1) Task Organization and Schedule of Brigade Attendance (2) Game Instructions (3) Coordination of Spirit Activities (4) Normal Home Game Routine (5) Practice March-Ons (6) Superintendent's Tai1gater Selection Procedures (7) Superintendent's Tailgater Execution Plan 1. Purpose. To issue procedmes for midshipman attending home and away football games, participating in march-ons, duty section, watchstanding, Superintendent's tailgater, and performing other duties in support ofthe 2016 Navy Football. season. 2. Background. The Navy football program is one of the most complex midshipman activities during the fall semester. To ensure successful execution, a comprehensive plan is required. 3. Action. Midshipmen are instructed to read and be familiar with the contents of enclosures ( 1) though (8). Amplifying information will be distributed by separate correspondence as information becomes available. Distribution: Non-Mids (Electronically) Bridge (Electronically)
(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
TASK ORGANIZATION AND SCHEDULE OF BRIGADE ATTENDANCE DATE/TIME GAME/LOCATION DUTY BATT PARTICIPANTS 3SEP/1200 Fordham/ Annapolis, MD 1 A,B,C,D,G,H losep/1530 UConn/Annapolis, MD 3 A,B,C,D,G,H 17SEP/1900 Tulane/New Orleans, LA 5 C,E,F OlOCT/ 1530 Air Force/Colorado Springs, CO 1 C,E,F 080CT/1500 Houston/ Annapolis, MD 3 A,B,C,D,G,H 130CT/1930 East Carolina/Greenville, NC NIA C,E 220CT/ 1530 Memphis/Annapolis, MD 4 A, B,C,D, G,H 280CT/1900 USF/Tampa, FL N/A C,E 05NOV/ 11 30 Notre Dame/Jacksonville, FL 2 C,E,F 12NOV/ 1200 Tulsa/ Annapolis, MD 5 A,B, C,D,G,H 26NOV/TBA SMU/Dallas, TX N/A NIA 2DEC/TBA Sprint FB V. Mexico 4 TBD 03DEC/1200 AAC Championship/TEA TBD TBD* 10DEC/1500 Army West Point/Baltimore, MD 6 A,B, C,D,G,H 23DEC/1630 Armed Forces Bowl/Ft. Wmth, TX 4 TBD I *Participation in American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship will be determined by the AAC. Level of support for an AAC Championship game will be decided based on distance to host school. KEY A-Brigade E-D&B Spirit Contingent B-Drum and Bugle Corps C-Cheerleaders D-Cannoneers F-Volunteers G-Color Guard H-Goat Handlers Enclosure (1)
GAME INSTRUCTIONS 1. Away Game Instructions a. The Task Force will be comprised of an Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Executive Officer, and designated midshipman. b. The Task Force OIC is responsible for task organization and assigned personnel from departure until return to USNA. c. The Executive Officer will assist in executing orders, overseeing musters, formulating watch bills and verifying accountability. d. Prior to all games, an organizational meeting will be held, during which the Task Force ore will address itineraries, liberty, uniform policies, and midshipmen responsibilities. e. Midshipmen may volunteer to attend designated away games. Any duty swaps needed in order to attend away games require chain of command approval. Midshipmen must be Movement Order (MO) eligible per reference (a) to participate. All midshipmen must receive the permission of their inshuctors if class time will be missed. Prior to the first marking period of each semester, the previous semester's grades will determine eligibility for midshipmen. Midshipmen Welfare Fund (MWF) will provide bus transpmtation for nearby games and partial reimbursement for Independent Travel to games not in Annapolis, MD. Each midshipman on all away game MOs will pay a $10 adminish'ative fee to MWF. f. Volunteers may sign-up for away games in the MWF Ticket Office. Payment options include cash, check, or credit card. Specific information for each away game will be provided from the Logistics Officer to the midshipmen chain of command. g. Midshipmen on away game MOs are not charged weekends. Midshipmen will travel to and from the game in accordance with this notice. Midshipmen will only be allowed to provide their own transpottation by Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) on designated MOs and when specifically authorized by their Company Officer. Company Officers will approve travel plans and ensure operational risk management principles are applied to mitigate risk. POV midshipmen on away game MOs will not be charged a weekend. They must, however, be present at the muster before the game to remain on the MO and receive their game ticket. Midshipmen wishing to deviate from the MO must submit a Company Officer-approved special request chit to the Logistics Officer. The Logistics Officer will not provide game tickets to midshipmen who travel independently to the game that are not on the MO. h. Midshipmen must exercise good judgment and proper planning before signing up for away game MOs. MWF's no-refund policy is strictly enforced. i. Midshipmen are in a duty status for the duration of the game and will conduct themselves accordingly. Midshipmen will be allowed to uncover, while in their designated seating areas, after the National Anthem. Midshipmen must be covered when leaving the seating area. Enclosure (2)
Midshipmen are authorized by the Commandant, if of age and not plebes, to consume alcohol in accordance with applicable directives after the conclusion of the game. 2. Away Game Schedules. The following times are for planning purposes only and are subject to change. a. Tulane: b. Air Force: c. Notre Dame: d. Army: 3. Home Game Instructions Independent Travel to New Orleans, LA NET LMO 16 SEP 16 Kickoff: 1900, 17 SEP 16 Independent Travel to USNA NLT EOL, 18 SEP 16 Independent Travel to Colo Springs, CO NET LMO 30 SEP 16 Kickoff: 1530, 1 OCT 16 Independent Travel to USNA NLT EOL, 2 OCT 16 Depart USNA, NET LMO 3 NOV16 Arrive Jacksonville, FL, TBD, 4 NOV 16 Kickoff: 1130, 5 NOV 16 Depart Jacksonville, FL, TBD, 6 NOV 16 Anive USNA, 2000, 6 NOV 16 Deprut USNA, TBD, 10 DEC 16 Anive Baltimore, MD, TBD, 10 DEC 16 Kickoff: 1500, 10 DEC 16 Depart Baltimore, MD, TBD, 10 DEC 16 Anive USNA, NLT TBD, 10 DEC 16 a. All midshipman, including duty section, will attend all home football games and march to the stadium unless they are standing a designated watch, have a medical chit stating that they are Sick in Room (SIR), on an approved MO or Excusal, or are specifically excused on a Special Request Chit approved by their Battalion Officer. 2 Enclosure (2)
b. Midshipmen shall not use cell phones, wear sunglasses, or catty unauthmized gear or food during march-over. Company Officers and Company Commanders are responsible for proper appearance and conduct of companies. c. Midshipmen with outstanding tours or in restricted status are required to return to USNA immediately after the game. d. Following march-on, First Class Midshipmen holding tickets to sit with guests may leave the Brigade seating area. First Class Midshipmen requesting season tickets must request seats located in sections 106-1 08. Midshipmen are not authorized to sit in end zone or grass seating. e. Civilians are not permitted in Brigade seating area unless they are an official "Drag" of a midshipman (e.g., candidate visitor, high school recmit, etc.). Only First Class Midshipmen dragging a guest are allowed to sit outside of the Brigade seating area. Company Officers may approve requests from 2/C, 3/C, and 4/C to sit with guests on a case-by-case basis. f. Midshipmen may uncover while seated subsequent to the National Anthem. Midshipmen must be covered when leaving the seating area. g. Only midshipmen with sideline passes are permitted on the field except when forming Spirit Tunnels or doing push-ups. Spirit Tunnel formation will only be performed by midshipmen in the designated company. Push-ups will be perfmmed by the plebes seated in the lower bleachers section. h. All midshipmen are in a duty status for all home games, commencing with designated end of libe1ty, and concluding with the last note of "Navy Blue and Gold." Midshipmen are reminded that they are representatives of the Naval Academy and will think, act, and look like leader's in the world's greatest Navy and Marine Cmps. Under no circumstances will midshipmen engage in "raids" across the field or interfere with the conduct of the game. i. Midshipmen will not exit stands until the fmal note of"navy Blue and Gold." Companies holding a post-game tailgater may excuse two midshipman from march-on to set-up and provide security. Tailgater representatives are in a duty status and will remain in uniform and not consume alcohol until the last note of "Navy Blue and Gold." A Special Request Chit signed by the Company Officer denoting tailgater representatives must be presented to Duty Battalion watchstanders upon request. Alcohol chits for tailgaters must be routed in accordance with reference (b). j. Company Wardroom Officer and Supply Officer will place food order for tailgaters with Midshipmen Food Services Division (MFSD) in accordance with instructions on King Hall' s website no later than eight days prior to the event. k. Duty Section personnel will be allowed 60 minutes from the end of the game until mustering back in Bancroft Hall. Company Duty Officers will be required to take a duty section muster at that time to ensure accountability. 3 Enclosure (2)
1. Midshipmen on medical chits will be provided bus transpmtation to and from home games. Buses depart Glenn Warner Soccer Facility one hour prior to kick-off for each home game. Retum buses depart Gate "D" on the west side of the stadium immediately following the game. m. Company Commanders are responsible for the conduct and appearance of their companies during football games. All companies will conduct uniform inspections 30 minutes prior to step off, giving the midshipmen time to conect deficiencies. Company Commanders are responsible for the conduct and appearance of their companies from march-over until the last note of "Navy Blue and Gold." In the event that the company holds a post-game tailgate, the Company Commander is also responsible for the conduct of his/her company during all tailgate activities. n. Task Force midshipmen for each game will be designated by the Task Force OIC. The Task Force is responsible for the safety and well-being of the Brigade from march-on until all USNA tailgaters have been secured (NLT two hours after the last note of "Navy Blue and Gold"). o. ECAs may work concessions to eam fimding for their ECA. The ECA Officer will facilitate the coordination between the ECAs and the General Manager of Naval Academy Concessions. ECAs working concessions will be authorized to wear Midshipmen Casual (blue over khaki), provided they pass a uniform inspection with the ECA Officer the week before the home football game. 4. Army-Navy Game Special Instructions a. The Operations Department is responsible for the movement of the Brigade to and from Baltimore, MD, developing the schedule of events, and coordinating all spirit-related events. b. The Task Force OIC is responsible for task organization, Letter oflnstruction promulgation, and assigned personnel from departure until returning to the Naval Academy. c. Midshipmen Duty Officers and Company Commanders are responsible to the Task Force Commander for the appearance and general order of midshipmen. d. Midshipmen are reminded they are representatives of the Naval Academy. No alcohol will be consumed 12 hours prior to or during the game. Midshipmen will not enter the field from the stands with the exception of the "Spirit Tunnel," and under no circumstances engage in any "raids" across the field. e. The Drill Officer is responsible for the march-on of the Brigade. f. MFSD will coordinate meals for all midshipmen. g. Midshipmen involved in designated Extracurricular Activities will fmward separate itineraries as appropriate. 4 Enclosure (2)
COMDTMIDNINST 3121 h. Company Guidons will be transported to the game on buses with the Guidon Bearers and will remain in the custody of the Company until return to USNA. 1. Transportation and weekend instructions: (1) Sign-up for transportation will be handled via computer, as directed by the Logistics Officer. All midshipmen must complete the transportation form by the date specified by the Operations Depattment. If midshipmen do not complete the form by the deadline, they will ride the bus to the game and return by bus immediately following the game. Follow-on or late changes to transportation must come directly from a Company Officer. Midshipmen who are on duty or restriction must return to USNA immediately after the game using the buses provided. Pre-game formation for march-on is mandatory for all midshipmen except those traveling under a designated Extracunicular Activity MO. (2) The Logistics Officer will coordinate with the Service Academy Exchange Officer to ensure transportation is provided to the Army-Navy Game for exchange midshipman. Exchange Cadets from Air Force and Coast Guard will mru ch-on with the Brigade. Almy West Point Cadets will patticipate in the prisoner exchange ceremony prior to the game. Midshipmen attending Army West Point will travel on Corps of Cadets buses. 5 Enclosure (2)
1. Dates, times and locations ofpep Rallies: COORDINATION OF SPIRIT ACTIVITIES EVENT Beat Army ADM/GEN DATE 7 DEC 15 8 DEC 15 TIME/PLACE 1900/TBD TBD/Pentagon 2. The music for the Pep Rallies will be performed by a variety of organizations to include, but not limited to, Navy Beats, and Drum and Bugle Corps. 3. The Admiral/General' s Pep Rally at the Pentagon includes only Navy Spirit and a Drum and Bugle Corps contingent. This Pep Rally is planned for the Army game only. The itinerary may require midshipman involved in these Extracurricular Activities to miss class and other military obligations. 4. Every effort will be made to have the entire football team and coaching staff in attendance at the Beat Army Pep Rally. 5. In case of inclement weather, Pep Rallies scheduled to be outdoors will be held in Dahlgren Hall or cancelled. Enclosure (3)
NORMAL HOME GAME ROUTINE 1. Routine a. Normal Home Game Schedule (1530 Kickoff) Buffet Breakfast Reveille Quarters F mmation Noon Meal Formation for march-over Step-off Depart Gate 8 An ive at Stadium Commence March-on 0630-0900 0700 0730 1100-1300 1400 1430 1440 1510 151 5 b. 1300 Kickoff Schedule Buffet Breakfast Reveille Quarters Formation Formation for march-over Step-off Depart Gate 8 An ive at Stadium Commence March-on 0630-0900 0700 0730 1130 1200 1210 1240 1245 c. 1200 Kickoff Schedule Buffet Breakfast Reveille Quarters Formation Formation for march-over Step off Depart Gate 8 Arrive at Stadium Commence March on 0630-0900 0700 0730 1030 1100 1110 1140 1145 d. March-Over Route Stribling Walk to Maryland Avenue Mary land A venue to Decatur Road Exit Gate #8 Left on Annapolis Street/Rt-435 Left on Taylor Avenue/Rt-435 Proceed to South End Zone entrance at Stadium e. Alternate March-Over Route Stribling Walk to Maryland Avenue Mary land A venue to Decatur Road Exit Gate #8 Left on Wainwright Dr, Cross Rt-450 Transit through Industr ial Park Enclosure (4)
Cross Rowe Blvd, proceed on Herbert Sachs Blvd Left on Taylor Avenue/Rt-435 Proceed to South End Zone entrance at Stadium NOTE: Unit Commanders are responsible for the conduct of their respective units during march-over. If a third route is to be utilized, directions will be promulgated. 2. Field Ceremonies a. When the Brigade is formed on the field, a Drill Officer (located in the upper level of the stands) will signal "Present ARMS" to be executed by the Brigade Staff, Staff Commanders, Unit Commanders, and Guidon Bearers. The Color Guard will come to "Present ARMS." The Drill Officer will signal "Order ARMS," then "About FACE." b. The Drill Officer above the visitor's stands will signal: (1) Cheers (a) Fordham, R-A-M-S, Go Rams, Fight (b) UConn, H-U-S-K-I-E-S, Go Huskies, Fight (c) Houston, C-0-U-G-A-R-S, Go Cougars, Fight (d) Memphis, T-I-G-E-R-S, Go Tigers, Fight (e) Tulsa, G-0-L-D-E-N-H-U-R-R-I-C-A-N-E, Go Golden Hurricane, Fight (f) Army West Point, A-R-M-Y, Go Black Knights, Fight (2) "About FACE" c. The Navy side Drill Officer will signal: (1) "N-A-V-Y, GO NAVY, FIGHT!" (2) Cannon blast (3) The Brigade will march off the field and enter the stands upon signal from the Drill Officer. A series of six flag signals will be utilized for the Brigade to exit: 1st through 6 111 Battalion respectively. The Brigade and Regimental Staffs will step off immediately following the cannon blast. The Color Guard will also step off immediately following the cannon blast by executing a counter march and exiting the field toward the visiting team sideline. 2 Enclosure ( 4)
3. Inclement Weather. The Brigade will march to the stadium as normal but may not stop or conduct cheers once on the field. If a standard march-on is not conducted, the Brigade will march directly across the field and enter the stands without stopping on the field. 4. National Anthem Ceremony a. The Naval Academy Band will perform the National Anthem prior to kick-off. Sequence is as follows. Times may change due to pre-game performances, such as parachute demonstrations. b. At kickoff minus 15 minutes- Color Guard forms in south end zone. Naval Academy Band forms behind Color Guard. c. At kickoff minus 8 minutes - Color Guard marches to south end goal line, halts and presents arms. d. At kickoff minus 6 minutes - Announcement, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand for our National Anthem." e. At kickoff minus 5 minutes- Naval Academy Band plays National Anthem. Band will proceed up ladder past players' ramp at west side of stadium, and then to their seats. Color Guard will about-face, and proceed off south end of field and follow same route as the Band. 3 Enclosure (4)
PRACTICE MARCH-ONS 1. Practice march-ons will be conducted as follows: DATE 22AUG 29AUG PARTICIPANTS Brigade Brigade TIME 1600 1600 LOCATION Farragut Field Farragut Field 2. Formation for march-on practice will take place on Turner Joy Road sta1ting at the field gate entrance and continuing around Farragut Field. 3. USNA Security is responsible for blocking traffic on Turner Joy Road and Bronson Road as needed from 1545 until the completion of the march-on practice. Enclosure (5)
SUPERINTENDENT'S TAILGATER SELECTION PROCEDURES 1. The Superintendent will host five tailgaters at the home football games prior to kick-off. Each tailgater will recognize a different group of 18 Midshipmen for outstanding achievement in a pre-chosen field. The Commandant' s Executive Assistant (EA) will propose the themes in July to the Commandant, who will then notify the Superintendent's Office of the intended themes. Historically, the themes for each tailgater have been in the below sequential order: a. Outstanding achievement during summer training. b. Outstanding achievement in an ECA. c. Outstanding achievement in a leadership role. d. Outstanding achievement in the physical mission. e. Outstanding achievement in academics. 2. The goal is to have an even spread across all six Battalions and across all classes. The nominees must be quality midshipman who will represent the Brigade well in all three mission areas. To ensure the desired effect, the EA will assign and notify each Battalion three different and specific classes. Each tailgater will have exactly six 1/C, four 2/C, four 3/C, and four 4/C. Below is a typical breakdown of how the Battalions are assigned: a. 1st Battalion: one 1/C, one 2/C, and one 4/C. b. 2"d Battalion: one 1/C, one 3/C, and one 4/C. c. 3rd Battalion: one 1/C, one 2/C, and one 4/C. d. 4 1 h Battalion: one 1/C, one 2/C, and one 3/C. e. 5 1 h Battalion: one 1/C, one 2/C, and one 3/C. f. 6 1 h Battalion: one 1/C, one 3/C, and one 4/C. 3. The International Programs Office will select and assign semester exchange and four-year international midshipmen to attend each tailgater. The EA will disseminate those names to the various Battalions so the parent Company Officer can write the biography of the respective midshipman. 4. The EA will receive the names and biographies of the nominees and International midshipmen from each Battalion three weeks prior to the tailgater. Company Officers or Senior Enlisted Leaders will discuss the availability of the nominee prior to nominating them. Battalions cannot nominate midshipmen who are committed to another Varsity, Club, ECA, or personal commitment (e.g., attending a funeral) that would prevent them from being at the tailgater. Enclosure ( 6)
5. The EA will collect and format all of the nominee's biographies in one document. The EA will then vet the names to ensure they are of the highest caliber, that they have outstanding achievement for the assigned tailgater theme, and that they have no scheduling conflicts for the entire day of the tailgater. The EA will route the biographies through the Deputy Commandant for approval, and once approved, the EA will notify via email the Battalions Officers, Company Officers, Senior Enlisted Leaders, and the nominated midshipmen. The EA will inform the Superintendent's Office and the Protocol Office the names and biographies of the midshipmen attending the tailgater no later than five days prior to the tailgater. 6. The EA will submit a MO and Transportation Request for two 12-passenger vans for the tailgater. In the event that more than 27 midshipman, including those selected by the Intemational Programs Office, are selected to attend a tailgater, an additional driver and vehicle shall be procured. 2 Enclosure ( 6)
SUPERINTENDENT'S TAILGATER EXECUTION PLAN 1. The EA will coordinate in advance the procurement of two 12-passenger vans from the Public Works Motor Pool the week of the tailgater. The keys to the vans will be given to the Assistant Character Development Officer. The Assistant Character Development Officer will coordinate the vehicle drivers with the Assistant Senior Watch Officer and Staff Duty Officer Coordinators. 2. The Assistant Character Development Officer will be responsible for the oversight of midshipmen selected to attend each tailgater. 3. Company Officers and respective Senior Enlisted Leaders will ensure midshipman selected from their Company for a tailgater are prepared with the proper uniform and spirit button prior to the day of a tailgater. 4. The Assistant Character Development Officer will coordinate a mandatory Protocol Brief for the selected midshipmen no later than 48 hours prior to each tailgater, the schedule for the day of the tailgater, uniform standards, and proper protocol during the tailgater. 5. The Assistant Character Development Officer will muster and inspect the midshipmen going to the tailgater prior to it commencing. Any issues will be repmted to the Officer of the Watch or Staff Duty Officer. Below is a typical timeline for execution. All times are relative to tailgate statt time. -1hr: Muster in Bancroft Hall Rotunda for uniform inspection -50min: Proceed to vans in the vicinity of the Sub Monument -45min: Depatt USNA -30min: Anive at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium -14min: Depart vans at Blue Angels Monument, receive nametags -13min: Duty drivers return vans to Public Works Motor Pool -lomin: Proceed to designated waiting at ea -9min: Head call -4min: Standby for Superintendent's arrival TAILGATE START: Commence receiving line and tailgater HALFTIME: End tailgater (midshipmen may leave tailgater between kickoff and halftime) 6. The duty drivers will return the 12-passenger vans to the Public Works Motor Pool after they have dropped off the midshipmen at the Stadium. The midshipmen attending the tailgater are responsible for their own transportation at the conclusion of the game. Enclosure (7)