I have (quite) a few questions... :)

Lyra

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2014
Messages
5
I have already looked at almost everything i could about my hair at West Point so i think I'm covered with all of that stuff.
My main concern is about showers. For females, what is it like, during Beast and as a cadet in general, when it comes to showers?
A lot of people are also vague in their descriptions of CBT. If at all possible, I would like to know more about the difficulties any of you faced during that time!
I am an extremely busy junior in high school, but not physically active at this point. I was running every day for a long time but, for a few months now, I have been slacking off and have gained weight... Is there a way to lose that weight really fast or should I just get back to running and working out? (I also didn't eat sweets and have gotten back in the habit... sadness.)
 
No offense intended Lyra, but you seem very concerned about your hair, showering, and your weight.

If you need privacy, special allowances for your hair, and have trouble with your weight you may want to consider other options. AROTC would allow you to have a more liberal hair style, shower anywhere you want, and in general have a "normal" college experience 85% of the time.

Your first quote tells a lot; "I have already looked at almost everything i could about my hair at West Point so i think I'm covered with all of that stuff."

If that is your primary focus you may have your priorities more in-line with a civilian lifestyle.
 
My suggestion would be to use the search function that the forum offers. I can guarantee that almost every question you have has come up before. I even remember that there was a lengthy discussion about topics that pertained to females/CBT several years ago. Current and former cadets have been very helpful providing information in the past.

You might also want to read through all of the "stickies" at the top of the USMA forum and familiarize yourself with the requirements for admission. One of the big ones is sports---do you play a sport?
 
As the mom of two active duty army daughters, one of which is now on her way via active duty to West Point, let me just give you a reality check. You are joining the United States Army! CBT is the USMA version of Basic Training, if you are more concerned about your hair than training to serve your country, saving the lives of your battle buddies, or keeping yourself from getting killed in combat, then maybe you should consider your other options.


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C'mon guys, cut the kid some slack! She is just 16! She most likely has some kind of desire to serve, which brought her here in the first place. It is easy to get information about the physical and academic demands of an SA. Information about hygiene and grooming - especially pertaining to women - is not as prevalent.

She is a junior, and just exploring now. It was at this same point in HS that my daughter announced she was interested in becoming a military officer. We are not a military family at ALL, so we were floored! We started from square one learning everything we could, and you can bet hair and hygiene was on the list! Just because she is asking doesn't mean that she isn't willing to do it, she just wants to know what to expect.

And isn't that what we advise all interested applicants - that they know what they are getting into?

But Lyra, I must add... Search is your friend.

Nicole
 
Hi, Lyra --

Some of your questions will probably be best answered by trying to meet some cadets and talk to them.

However, for what it is worth, as a woman (who was a Marine a long time ago), I can say that you will sooner or later, whether at West Point or on field exercises, need to get used to showering in a "locker room" type atmosphere where there are not individual stalls. Some people are more embarrassed about it, some are less, but everyone gets used to it -- it becomes second nature very, very quickly and you won't worry about modesty/body issues when you stink and have a chance at a hot shower! You will also become a huge fan of baby wipes -- life savers in the field.

In terms of weight gain, as a junior you've got plenty of time to get more fit at a safe and healthy weight. It sounds boring, but try to focus on eating fresh, healthy foods at mealtimes and not eating between meals, and ramping up your exercise. By ramping up, I mean building up slowly. Start by walking for at least 45 minutes a day (good way to burn calories). As you transition to running, you can start by doing a run-walk-run program where you run and walk in a ratio that builds as your endurance builds. So you initially might run for one minute, walk for one minute. Then it might go to run 3, walk 1 minute, run 4/walk 1, run 5/walk 1. It is a terrific way to build endurance and you will burn more calories because you will be working out longer. If you try to run too much too quickly, particularly if you have put on some weight, you may risk shin splints or other injuries.

Lastly, it can be tough to be in the military period, and a woman in the military, if you struggle with your weight. You may want to be honest with yourself (without beating yourself up) to see if you feel like you have the fitness level/desire to stay fit to make going into the military a good fit. If it's something you want, then go for it with all your heart!

Good luck.
 
Thanks for all of your replies!
Trust me, I am definitely ready for West Point, mentally at least. I just needed to know a few tips.
For those of you trying to give me a reality check, thanks! Thinking about the Army excites me and I know there will be ups and downs.
I think you guys took my first sentence a little too seriously too! I'm sorry if it made me seem like a selfish brat. (I didn't mean for it to come across that way. I meant it as a joke because there are SO many questions about that stuff.)
 
Thanks for that! My immediate family isn't a Military family either. And you're right, I do have a lot of questions. And, actually I'm 17 so, it's crunch time when it comes to figuring out my college/future career plans!
 
Thanks, that helped me a lot! I actually went for a run today before I saw this. I ran a mile, did two minutes of push ups and did some crunches! I will be sore tomorrow... But, thanks again!
 
I have already looked at almost everything i could about my hair at West Point so i think I'm covered with all of that stuff.
My main concern is about showers. For females, what is it like, during Beast and as a cadet in general, when it comes to showers?
A lot of people are also vague in their descriptions of CBT. If at all possible, I would like to know more about the difficulties any of you faced during that time!
I am an extremely busy junior in high school, but not physically active at this point. I was running every day for a long time but, for a few months now, I have been slacking off and have gained weight... Is there a way to lose that weight really fast or should I just get back to running and working out? (I also didn't eat sweets and have gotten back in the habit... sadness.)

I think I can answer all your questions.

1.) I'm a male, but I think females have tiny personal showers in the ladies restroom, but I'm not positive(as I haven't been in it) but the waters usually warm and stuff so its whatever.

2) Difficulties during beast: By far the worst time is when they are alike "We'll have cots no need to bring sleeping bag" But guess what, we did not have cots and we were not allowed to get our sleeping bags and it was pouring and freezing outside. Like who knew it got that cold at night in July, not me. Moral of the story: I'm not exactly sure... 2.) The sleep sucks... So they have to give you 7 hours of sleep, as in room at 10 leave at 5, but it equates to much less of actual sleep time. 3.) Their were a lot of minor things that sucked but it ends eventually

3) For me, when I try to lose weight (aside from working out) I usually try not to eat after lunch so like after 1:00 pm. It sucks when you're trying to fall asleep and can't but it really helps in generally (but this also might be really bad for you, so what do I know)
 
Starving yourself or severe calorie restriction is never the answer for weight loss. Getting regular exercise, eating healthy meals, and most of all proper portion control are the keys. Never suggest a teenager not eat anything after 1:00 p.m.
 
Starving yourself or severe calorie restriction is never the answer for weight loss. Getting regular exercise, eating healthy meals, and most of all proper portion control are the keys. Never suggest a teenager not eat anything after 1:00 p.m.

Don't worry... I eat but I don't eat after 7:00 pm usually because I heard, that while asleep, your body stores most of the left over energy your body has.
If my dad found out I wasn't eating after 1:00 I think I would get in big trouble. Thanks for that, though!
 
Female Cadet here, class of 2016, so I've been around for a little while at least.

First, showers depend on the barracks. most are community style, and open (trust me, this should be least of your worries..when you're dirty, all you want is to get clean and you put aside the fact that it's open.)

hair is hard, but it becomes habit, and lifestyle. I can put my waist length thick hair into an almost perfect bun in about 20 seconds. look up some tips on youtube, there's a million.

as for beast and being a female (sorry to any male viewers out there) it is rough dealing with your period and being in the field. The most important thing to remember is to bring your own supplies and a way to keep everything hygienic. the last thing you want during beast is a UTI or kidney infection.

It's perfectly fine to be concerned about losing femininity when coming to west point. Plebe year, you are pretty restricted. Hair up, little makeup, uniform 24/7. After that, cadet casual (khakis and pol0) allows you to feel a little like a girl again. straightened hair, makeup..that stuff comes back.

PM me with more questions, or post them here and i'll do my best to answer.
 
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