PPW Parents Brief

[oldcorpsdad]

For what its worth, just back from Plebe Parent Weekend. The weekend itself was great. Plan on attending in a year. The Dean gave the briefing to the parents on Friday. He said the Corps had gone up to almost 4600 which contributed to the significant overcrowding in the barracks. With ongoing operations beginning to end and the plans to shrink the Army, they were told they would no longer be given a pass on the Corps being oversized (or words to that effect). The Corps would go back to 4400 where it was supposed to be. However, given the low attrition this year, next year would probably be smaller than normal. The Brigade Tactical Officer (BTO) said they were planning on 1150 New Cadet Candidates on R day. This was all in response to parent questions during the Q&A. Nothing in writing.

 

[lodgem]

who attends?

My son is a newly accepted cadet. I am planning to book a hotel for PPW 2013 soon. Who usually attends PPW? Is it just the parents or do siblings & other family members such as grandparents usually attend? Thanks!

 

[RLTW]

Family at PPW

At PPW this year (2012), there were quite a few family members beyond only the parents -- it is not limited to just parents. I would guess the concern would simply be to make sure your plebe requests enough seating for the event to accommodate everyone.

 

[patentesq]

Grandparents and siblings can attend PPW and attend all briefings, etc. However, for the formal dinner/hop on Saturday evening, the cadets usually get only three tickets because of space concerns in Washington Hall (USMA presumes the cadet will attend the formal dinner with only two parents and a date). Some cadets are able to wrangle an extra ticket for that event. If the grandparents don't mind missing that one event, PPW is definitely worth it for everyone close to your DS/DD. There is plenty to do and see, including the parade on Saturday!

 

[America's Finest]

Grandparents and siblings can attend PPW and attend all briefings, etc. However, for the formal dinner/hop on Saturday evening, the cadets usually get only three tickets because of space concerns in Washington Hall (USMA presumes the cadet will attend the formal dinner with only two parents and a date). Some cadets are able to wrangle an extra ticket for that event. If the grandparents don't mind missing that one event, PPW is definitely worth it for everyone close to your DS/DD. There is plenty to do and see, including the parade on Saturday!

They always set the "limit" to 2 tickets per cadet but there have never been any problems getting extra seats for cadets who bring more guests for as long as I've been here. I've seen people bring as many as 5 guests without any issues. Trust me, the Mess Hall is not going to fill up, especially with the supposedly smaller 2016 class. Not a guarantee, but HIGHLY unlikely based on my experience helping with the seating arrangements for multiple class events.

 

[wojo84]

PPW

My son is a newly accepted cadet. I am planning to book a hotel for PPW 2013 soon. Who usually attends PPW? Is it just the parents or do siblings & other family members such as grandparents usually attend? Thanks!

Even though it is titled "Plebe Parent Weekend" (it was a week, but the Corps has), it is for families. Now, the banquet tickets can get pricey so that has to be taken into account. Otherwise, don't worry about who can attend. Go and have fun!

 

[oldcorpsdad]

My son said each Cadet received 2 tickets plus the Cadet ticket and each company had 10 extras to raffle/distribute. Between the extra 10 plus all the Cadets who didnt have anyone attend, there were plenty of tickets. It is a long late night and the smaller kid at the table next to us was not happy so keep that in mind as well.

 

[Classof83]

Links to Pictures/Video of PPW Parade

Other than the pictures that the Parents' Club website mentioned, has anyone found a link to pictures of the PPW parade, etc.?

 

[Falcon74]

My son indicated that the supply was greater than demand in his company this year. He had no difficulty getting two extra tickets. Officially PPW is for parents, but family members and boy/girlfriends were in abundance.