What new US Merchant Marine Academy plebes go through on day one

We got an inside look at what it’s like on the first day for new plebes at the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

287 plebe candidates arrived on campus for the beginning of “indoctrination,” a 16-day period full of intense mental and physical tests.

During our visit, we saw plebe candidates getting their heads shaved, learning proper movements and responses, and enduring an event known as “the Grinder,” where their instructional cadre commands and corrects them with loud intensity.

After an emotional farewell to their families, the plebe candidates take their first steps toward becoming licensed officers in the US Merchant Marine.

Most graduates go on to work as licensed officers aboard commercial and government ships, either navigating and managing the vessel or operating its engines and machinery.

But during wartime, these civilian mariners can become a critical part of the military supply chain, operating ships that carry weapons, vehicles, fuel, ammunition, and other supplies to US forces overseas.