Brief Points: An Almanac for Parents and Friends of U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen, Third Edition

by Ross H. Mackenzie

The Naval Academy's culture is a unique and sometimes baffling phenomenon to the outside world, but with this newly updated guide in hand relatives and friends of midshipmen will find answers to all the questions they might have about Academy life. Since it was first published more than a decade ago, parents have relied on the almanac for insights into their sons' and daughters' experiences at Annapolis. Now the son of the original author has taken on the responsibility of bringing the popular reference up to date.
An Academy graduate, retired active duty naval officer, and former English instructor at the Academy, the younger Mackenzie makes full use of his intimate knowledge of Annapolis to fill in the gaps. Along with the latest facts on car ownership, dating policies, athletic requirements, and disciplinary demands, you'll now find a useful guide to Internet resources. A midshipman profile and a dictionary of "Midspeak" completes the picture in a book whose title recalls the midshipmen's own manual, Reef Points, but extends its concept for outsiders seeking practical information about the Academy, the Navy, and Annapolis. Prospective applicants, graduates, newcomers to the USNA staff, and visitors seeking a memento will also be attracted to this useful guide.

Genres: Military Fiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

Ross H. Mackenzie graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in English Literature. He also earned a Master’s from St. John’s College (Annapolis) and attended Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

A former Navy pilot, Mr. Mackenzie deployed multiple times on eight different ships to many parts of the world during his 20-year military career. While in the Navy, Mr. Mackenzie taught English literature and writing at the U.S. Naval Academy for four years.

Mr. Mackenzie finds his passions in wide open spaces as an avid cyclist, hiker, and sportsman. He is a devoted father and husband and makes him home in Florida.

Please visit www.patriot-kids.com for more information about Mr. Mackenzie, and the award-winning Patriot Kids book series. You may also visit herokidsbookproject.org, a certified 501(c)(3) public charity, to learn how to help military families through books!

Reviews

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief Points is a play off Reef Points, the text all Mids are encouraged to memorize as Plebes, but aimed at parents--without the stress or drama. It's a good conglomeration of information, covers the high points of Mid life, in a concise and pithy manner. The best time to read it is during Plebe Summer, when you can't talk to your Mid and are desperate for any tidbit of what they're experiencing. Be forewarned though: It doesn't include any information on Plebe Summer--rather 104 pages of what academy life is all about. It includes sections on academics, physical education, military life, money (it's hard to accept Mids are paid to attend, but it's true) and career. The Pro Speak (another 73 pages) is fine, but few Mids will come home on leave spouting these acronyms and/or neologisms.

Overall, a good read which puts you in the spirit of USNA life and the military future your child has chosen.