passes. what are they and how do you get them?

so ive heard a lot about getting "passes" to leave for the weekend. as an incoming plebe and during the rest of the 4 years, how often, on average, are they given out and what are they used for typically?

thanks!

Unless there's been a sea-change, it's one pass per semester for plebes, two per for yuks, 4 per for cows, and unlimited for firsties. In order to leave the academy, wear civilian clothes, and sleep elsewhere overnight, a cadet must be on pass. So if you wanted to go home or go to a friend's college, etc., you'd need to be on pass.

Extra passes can be earned/rewarded - even for the lowly Plebe.

You will get one per semester Plebe year and can earn extra ones by certain achievements. Most companies have some kind of point system where you can buy a pass by earning a certain amount of credits. You also get an extra one by getting a 300 on your APFT. Yearling year you get one two first semester and three second semester. Cow year you get three first semester and four second semester. Firstie year they are unlimited as long as you don't have a duty such as a mandatory football game. They are used to leave campus and be allowed to spend the night somewhere else for a weekend.

Pass

buff81 said:

Extra passes can be earned/rewarded - even for the lowly Plebe.

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My son got 3 his first semester during plebe year. One for his company being the best company during beast, one for outstanding academics and another for his normal pass. I believe you can also get a spirit pass for attending an away Army sporting event. Living in NJ was convenient for me and my son. I was able to go up and get him when he wanted.