thesword76
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2019
- Messages
- 57
Reflecting on my USMA experience so far and having had the opportunity of showing many Cadet Candidates around West Point through the admissions program (High School, Enlisted, and Minority programs), there is one major piece of advice that I've consistently told all my CCs: "The easiest part of West Point is getting in. You need to earn your stay every day."
This statement is something I wish I had fully realized before getting here. Like many reading this, I spent most of my High School days fixated on Service Academy Forums, comparing my stats with others, searching how competitive my district was, and vying for every possible opportunity I could get to secure my dream of attending a SA. Fast forward to where I am now as Beast Cadre this Summer, I realize that this experience has challenged myself and my peers greatly - as it should - and I've lost MANY good friends who didn't make it this far with several more who won't affirm after this Summer. USMA finds a way to tear you apart in whatever your weakness is and can bring you to some dark points - what matters is your resilience and getting back in the fight. So, for those of you who have earned your appointment to the USMA Class of 2028 - congratulations, the easiest part of the 47-month (or 57 for my Prepsters out there) experience is over. I'll see you this Summer.
1. Be fit. The minimums for getting into USMA are very low compared to the standard you're held once getting in. You passed the CFA - you're much more fit than the average American. Great. But that alone or just passing CBT is nowhere near the level of fitness you need to actually perform well at USMA, especially if you are a male (different grading scale). Be exceptionally fit - that is the standard as an officer and a cadet. Don't waste the precious free time you have now partying, etc. Get in the best shape possible and show up ready to crush everything.
2. Be mature. Almost every upperclassman can tell you that there is some strange transition between a sociable, intelligent, leaderlike High School Senior and the awkward, timid, weird New Cadet/Plebe that shows up at Beast. Don't act like a dumb Plebe and play the game, act like a leader and take charge! Peer leadership. Don't be what you'll hear is referred to as a "square," hold the standard but do so in a way that is loving and confident. You'll directly see what I'm talking about when you get here if you don't understand it now.
3. Be loving and selfless. These are the 2 most important traits out of this list. Your reputation in Beast WILL follow you. Your Beast Cadre will go into the same AY company with you as follow. In reality, Beast is not your trial-and-error phase to learn the Army, it is your job interview - make an excellent first impression and take care of those on your left and right. Your cadre can see right through your character, especially in a stressful environment, and they know who the natural, caring leaders are. Beast will be tougher for some than for others; be the guy or gal that excels under stress, is ALWAYS a positive source of inspiration, and is always leading by example.
- In practice, this looks like: helping push someone up a hill during a ruck, waking up and getting yourself squared away early in the mornings so you can help others, being the first to volunteer for less than desirable details so others don't have to, squaring away peers' uniforms respectfully so they don't get smoked, etc. Once Beast is over, you will be subjectively graded on your character and military bearing by your peers and leadership for the rest of your time at USMA - this is very competitive and only limited top grades can be given out, determining who gets to go to Airborne, Air Assault, and many other fantastic leadership opportunities down the road. This should not be the reason you strive to be a good leader, but it is important you must earn your spot at West Point EVERY day.
Enjoy the development journey, love one another, and soak in all the lessons you learn. Will be a Beast PSG this Summer, ask away with any questions or thoughts.
This statement is something I wish I had fully realized before getting here. Like many reading this, I spent most of my High School days fixated on Service Academy Forums, comparing my stats with others, searching how competitive my district was, and vying for every possible opportunity I could get to secure my dream of attending a SA. Fast forward to where I am now as Beast Cadre this Summer, I realize that this experience has challenged myself and my peers greatly - as it should - and I've lost MANY good friends who didn't make it this far with several more who won't affirm after this Summer. USMA finds a way to tear you apart in whatever your weakness is and can bring you to some dark points - what matters is your resilience and getting back in the fight. So, for those of you who have earned your appointment to the USMA Class of 2028 - congratulations, the easiest part of the 47-month (or 57 for my Prepsters out there) experience is over. I'll see you this Summer.
1. Be fit. The minimums for getting into USMA are very low compared to the standard you're held once getting in. You passed the CFA - you're much more fit than the average American. Great. But that alone or just passing CBT is nowhere near the level of fitness you need to actually perform well at USMA, especially if you are a male (different grading scale). Be exceptionally fit - that is the standard as an officer and a cadet. Don't waste the precious free time you have now partying, etc. Get in the best shape possible and show up ready to crush everything.
2. Be mature. Almost every upperclassman can tell you that there is some strange transition between a sociable, intelligent, leaderlike High School Senior and the awkward, timid, weird New Cadet/Plebe that shows up at Beast. Don't act like a dumb Plebe and play the game, act like a leader and take charge! Peer leadership. Don't be what you'll hear is referred to as a "square," hold the standard but do so in a way that is loving and confident. You'll directly see what I'm talking about when you get here if you don't understand it now.
3. Be loving and selfless. These are the 2 most important traits out of this list. Your reputation in Beast WILL follow you. Your Beast Cadre will go into the same AY company with you as follow. In reality, Beast is not your trial-and-error phase to learn the Army, it is your job interview - make an excellent first impression and take care of those on your left and right. Your cadre can see right through your character, especially in a stressful environment, and they know who the natural, caring leaders are. Beast will be tougher for some than for others; be the guy or gal that excels under stress, is ALWAYS a positive source of inspiration, and is always leading by example.
- In practice, this looks like: helping push someone up a hill during a ruck, waking up and getting yourself squared away early in the mornings so you can help others, being the first to volunteer for less than desirable details so others don't have to, squaring away peers' uniforms respectfully so they don't get smoked, etc. Once Beast is over, you will be subjectively graded on your character and military bearing by your peers and leadership for the rest of your time at USMA - this is very competitive and only limited top grades can be given out, determining who gets to go to Airborne, Air Assault, and many other fantastic leadership opportunities down the road. This should not be the reason you strive to be a good leader, but it is important you must earn your spot at West Point EVERY day.
Enjoy the development journey, love one another, and soak in all the lessons you learn. Will be a Beast PSG this Summer, ask away with any questions or thoughts.
