Civilian clothes during plebe year

vmm2016

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Is there a need for any civilian clothes during the first semester at West Point? For leaving on a weekend or something? I know Plebes don't leave very often but just wondering if there are any events civilian clothes are necessary/optional
 
Yes, they do have a chance to go on pass and will wear civilian clothes. Also, when they flew home for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, they had to wear civilian clothes, as well.
 
Yes, they do have a chance to go on pass and will wear civilian clothes. Also, when they flew home for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, they had to wear civilian clothes, as well.
You said plebes HAVE to wear civi's is this mandatory? Also I've heard that for some passes and what not plebes must wear their uniform--do you have any info regarding that?
 
A few years ago a Plebe was in NYC and walking when he happened to get caught up in street violence. The cause was anger towards law enforcement. He was seen in a uniform and quickly became the object of attention. A couple of Firsties watching the events unfold recognized the danger the Plebe was in and quickly went into the street to rescue the Plebe from the assault and battery he was receiving. They brought him up to their hotel room to catch his breath. After this incident WP has relaxed its uniform code for the safety of all Cadets when traveling to and from WP. A few casual slacks and polo shirts would be wise to be delivered during A-Day.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
If you are part of a sports team or club that will travel off post/overnight on the weekend, you will want some civilian clothes.
 
You said plebes HAVE to wear civi's is this mandatory? Also I've heard that for some passes and what not plebes must wear their uniform--do you have any info regarding that?

It can change from year to year, but this past year, they were told NOT to wear their uniforms while traveling. This was for all Cadets, not just Plebes. In years past, they HAD to wear the uniforms home. They were told not to wear their uniforms due to security concerns. On A-Day weekend, the Plebes were allowed to leave post with us to travel within 70 miles (I think) of West Point. For that, they had to wear their uniforms at all times when they were out in public.
 
It can change from year to year, but this past year, they were told NOT to wear their uniforms while traveling. This was for all Cadets, not just Plebes. In years past, they HAD to wear the uniforms home. They were told not to wear their uniforms due to security concerns. On A-Day weekend, the Plebes were allowed to leave post with us to travel within 70 miles (I think) of West Point. For that, they had to wear their uniforms at all times when they were out in public.

That being said, my DS spent most of his plebe year in White over Gray. Rules did change mandating that they travel in civies for security reasons. Be aware if your DS/DD can't make it home to South FL or AZ for Thanksgiving there is probably some local family who will adopt them for the weekend. We had a cadet from a warmer climate come to stay at our house one weekend where the temperature did not go above 20F, needless to say we went coat shopping. I would have them take at least a change of clothes including something warm, we can see close to 0 F well within driving distance of WP at Thanksgiving.
 
We've definitely lost something as a country when, instead of proudly wearing their uniform, our cadets are instructed NOT to wear their uniforms for their own safety. In his own country.
I'm still trying to get my head around that.

A few years ago a Plebe was in NYC and walking when he happened to get caught up in street violence. The cause was anger towards law enforcement. He was seen in a uniform and quickly became the object of attention. A couple of Firsties watching the events unfold recognized the danger the Plebe was in and quickly went into the street to rescue the Plebe from the assault and battery he was receiving. They brought him up to their hotel room to catch his breath. After this incident WP has relaxed its uniform code for the safety of all Cadets when traveling to and from WP. A few casual slacks and polo shirts would be wise to be delivered during A-Day.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I think you're missing my point. Once upon a time any hitchhiker in uniform was picked up immediately. Anyone with a uniform hanging in the back seat didn't get a ticket from the cops. If you didn't live through it, it its understandable not to appreciate how far things have really swung when it's better for everyone if cadets don't wear their uniform. Taken to reductio ad absurdum, you could start to ask why even have uniforms?
Sorry to take the thread somewhat further off topic. I don't disagree the policy might be safer for the Cadets; I'm dismayed that in today's climate the policy actually makes sense.
 
I know it not the same but my son is in Purdue AF ROTC. They now have restrictions on wearing uniforms on campus due to terrorist threats against the school. This summer my son flew to Maxwell AFB for fielding training and were told not to wear their uniforms while traveling. The kids are now targets and they prefer they wear civilian clothes while they travel. Of course the haircuts and the green dufflebags gives it away
 
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