Player Embed Code: Download Embed Share Punched in the Face Defense.gov Jan. 3, 2019 | 1:00 Boxing is a long-standing requirement for new students at the U.S. Naval Academy. It is also a centuries-old naval tradition. It teaches individuals about who they are and how they will react to stressful situations. Leaders can't panic in stressful situations. They have to know how to take punches.