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 o6 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 20 16 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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
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COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
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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
220CT/ 1530
Memphis/Annapolis, MD ·
280CT/1900
USF/Tampa, FL
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
2DEC/TBA
Sprint FB V. Mexico
03DEC/ 1200
AAC Championship/TEA
10DEC/1500
Army West Point/Baltimore, MD
6
A,B, C,D,G,H
23DEC/1630
Armed Forces Bowl/Ft. Wmth, TX
4
TBD
NIA
C,E
4
A, B,C,D, G,H
N/A
C,E
N/A
NIA
4
TBD
TBD
I
TBD*
*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
F-Volunteers
C-Cheerleaders
G-Color Guard
D-Cannoneers
H-Goat Handlers
Enclosure (1)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
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:
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
b. Air Force:
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
c. Notre Dame:
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
d. Army:
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
3. Home Game Instructions
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 0 6 2016
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
SEP 06 2016
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
COORDINATION OF SPIRIT ACTIVITIES
1. Dates, times and locations ofPep Rallies:
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
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
Maryland Avenue 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 Avenue to Decatur Road
Exit Gate #8
Left on Wainwright Dr, Cross Rt-450
Transit through Industr·ial Park
Enclosure (4)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
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 6111
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 0 6 2016
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 1h Battalion: one 1/C, one 2/C, and one 3/C.
e. 51h Battalion: one 1/C, one 2/C, and one 3/C.
f. 61h 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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 06 2016
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)
COMDTMIDNNOTE 3121
SEP 0 6 2016
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)