Beast itinerary

Maximus

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We've all been to the briefings about what New Cadets do on a typical day at Beast, wake up and eating schedule, what about the typical week break down over the six weeks? I realize they all don't do the same thing, at the same time, just generally from those that have been there and done that.

For instance, I know they basically tested last week and some did Land Nav (BTW, what exactly is land nav?), is that at Buckner? Are they still in the barracks this week? For that matter, how long do they stay in the barracks and how long are they actually at Buckner?
 
We've all been to the briefings about what New Cadets do on a typical day at Beast, wake up and eating schedule, what about the typical week break down over the six weeks? I realize they all don't do the same thing, at the same time, just generally from those that have been there and done that.

For instance, I know they basically tested last week and some did Land Nav (BTW, what exactly is land nav?), is that at Buckner? Are they still in the barracks this week? For that matter, how long do they stay in the barracks and how long are they actually at Buckner?

Come on, you old jarhead :wink: you know what land nav is: 1:50,000 map, lensatic compass, and lots of stomping around looking for points.
 
When my daughter went they rotated the companies around. Some would be in the field and some on post. They sent them out for a few days at a time. They go to Buckner but may not be sleeping in the barracks there. They are probably sleeping in the field - either a tent or on their bedroll.
Land Nav is where they give you a compass and tell you to get from point A to point B and not get lost..... fun fun. Sometimes in the dark!

From past years - the week prior to Marchback the whole class goes to Buckner or maybe Lake Fredrick now?
They fly them in now in Blackhawks or Chinooks - they love this - if the weather cooperates.
They live in the field for 5 days - doing "Army" stuff. Then they get up really early and "Marchback" to post.

Parents are welcome to go watch them Marchback. It is really cool. Just know that there is ZERO chance of contact with your New Cadet.
If anyone is going let me know and I will give you details on where to go..... etc.

The most awesome thing about Marchback is the "Old Grads" who march with them, including the 50 year class which is 1964. These guys in their 70's march along with the New Cadets; it's very moving.
 
Come on, you old jarhead :wink: you know what land nav is: 1:50,000 map, lensatic compass, and lots of stomping around looking for points.

That's what I figured...orienteering. Good, DS was CC of the orienteering team two years running and actually received a Varsity Letter for doing so. It was a big program at his HS and we went all over the state for competitions. I knew it wasn't a waste of time :smile:
 
Yeah, the marchback is fun with the old guys, especially when you come back from leave to find out that the guy who was supposed to march with them from your company broke his leg, so you've been tagged to report in 4 hours to hob-knob with the old marchers! But they're a hoot and make the time go by fast.

I will say that back then it was a 15-miler. The 12-mile march was how they got us OUT to Frederick, and the 15-miler got us back. Ah, this is one of the few times I can legitimately say that the Corps has :wink:

We didn't see a 60 or a 47 until Buckner. Truth be told, I have only ever been in MH-47s for jumps. Never been in a regular old ****-hook. I'm sure they'll enjoy if, it the weather and maintenance play nice.
 
^
that's true but....... they do many MORE ruck marches now and the total miles they march exceed what you marched.
In 2008, they marched more miles than any other class during Beast. :wink:
 
^
that's true but....... they do many MORE ruck marches now and the total miles they march exceed what you marched.
In 2008, they marched more miles than any other class during Beast. :wink:

I'll believe it when I see it :smile:...it's hard to make up for 15 missing miles. I'd be interested to know how much they marched. As a NC and as Cadre the schedule was a total of 46 miles.

2 mi
3 mi
6 mi
8 mi
12 mi
15 mi
 
I'll believe it when I see it :smile:...it's hard to make up for 15 missing miles. I'd be interested to know how much they marched. As a NC and as Cadre the schedule was a total of 46 miles.

2 mi
3 mi
6 mi
8 mi
12 mi
15 mi

weak...PI basic had us doing....nevermind...I know I'm not appreciated here...:biggrin:
 
weak...PI basic had us doing....nevermind...I know I'm not appreciated here...:biggrin:

Come on, now. We are making officers here! You're lucky there aren't golf carts and caviar involved!

At least it's not Air Force...they'd be marching about 5 miles total :shake:
 
Hey, Just_A_Mom: My wife and I are thinking of coming up early for A-Day to see our daughter march back. Any suggestions for filling the time between march back and A-Day?

Thanks!
 
scoutpilot - I don't know exactly however I believe there were at least 6 rucks. They made up for not rucking out to Buckner. I don't recall any 2 or 3 milers. I think they started with 5 or 6 milers and I believe they rucked the first week.
The Commandant made the announcement during A-Day that they rucked more than any other class. 2012 also had the longest Beast - 8 weeks long.

You're lucky there aren't golf carts and caviar involved!
LOL. There could have been..... they rucked right through the golf course during the Marchback!
 
USMA2014DAD

My family is planning on doing the same. We're going to go down to NYC for a couple days and then up to Boston until returning to Fishkill on Friday. I am going to 'bore' my younger daughters with my American Revolutionary War knowledge as we walk around the city.

I have to use that American History degree I got way back when for something. :thumb:
 
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Hey, Just_A_Mom: My wife and I are thinking of coming up early for A-Day to see our daughter march back. Any suggestions for filling the time between march back and A-Day?

Thanks!

Take a vacation! The greatest city in the world is 50 miles south. Do not plan on hanging around post.
I didn't stay since I am only a couple of hours away, I went home and then went back.

Marchback - Monday August 9th. Get in Sunday and get up early Monday. Try and find out when they step off. I think back in ScoutPilot's day they stepped off at midnight. They pushed that back to dawn but may change it again.
I camped in RoundPond and they marched right through the campground.


After that you will have 4 days to have fun! Go to NYC, maybe see a show or baseball game if the Mets are in town. If you stay in/near West Point that can be your base for many day trips.
 
USMA2014DAD

My family is planning on doing the same. We're going to go down to NYC for a couple days and then up to Boston until returning to Fishkill on Friday. I am going to 'bore' my younger daughters with my American Revolutionary War knowledge as we walk around the city.

I have to use that American History degree I got way back when for something. :thumb:

I second this notion. Go to NYC. Priceline a hotel and really enjoy the city. Even consider staying in Brooklyn or Queens and riding the train into Manhattan. If you've never done NYC, do it. You owe it to yourself to see such a city.
 
My wife and I will also be back for march back and A-day.

We've got family in metro NY area, and will also be heading out to Long Island to do some exploring.

There are quite a lot of interesting things to do. NYC alone can occupuy several days. Many historic sites in the Hudson valley.

For example, across the river from WP and a bit to the North are many sights to see, including FDR's home: http://www.historichydepark.org/. Farther down in NJ are the Jersey shore, and several amusement parks if you are in to that.

Mike
 
weak...PI basic had us doing....nevermind...I know I'm not appreciated here...:biggrin:

At PI we probably did that weekly, or so it seemed. They only view I ever had was the back of the guy in front of me neck, unless I was a squad leader, then I just got to look straight ahead. Oh what fun that was. It did make me a better man.
 
Great place to stay to keep cost down during the time your NCs can't leave post is the Sheraton Four Points in Mahwah, NJ. It's a 25-30 minute shot up I-287 to I-87 to US 6 to 9W to get to USMA.
 
At PI we probably did that weekly, or so it seemed. They only view I ever had was the back of the guy in front of me neck, unless I was a squad leader, then I just got to look straight ahead. Oh what fun that was. It did make me a better man.

Do they tell you all you're bulletproof at the beginning or the end? :yllol:
 
I second this notion. Go to NYC. Priceline a hotel and really enjoy the city. Even consider staying in Brooklyn or Queens and riding the train into Manhattan. If you've never done NYC, do it. You owe it to yourself to see such a city.

My brother goes to Queens a lot and stays in the Pan American Hotel. They have free parking. It's no frills but a good price and near the subway. It's between LGA and JFK, they have free shuttles to and from the airports and a lot of pilots/flight attendants stay there.

You can also do day trips on the Metro North just across the Bear Mtn Bridge. It's cheap and easy.
 
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