We all hear stories about dropouts during Beast, separations during the academic year, etc. In any event, some way or another, the entering class tends to be about 300 cadets smaller than the same graduating class. I am entering the Academy next year, and I was wondering when do the bulk of these dropouts occur? I used to think that loads of people just quit during Beast, but apparently only 50 or so leave during then. Also, I've been told a few people don't even make it to the oath ceremony on R-day...out of curiosity, how in the world does that happen?
Thanks for your help.
There IS an attrition rate. Some do leave during Beast - some the first day or first week.
During Beast - some New Cadets will express a desire to separate. These New Cadets will receive support and counseling and the process can take a couple of weeks. For New Cadets who are struggling Chaplain's are available and many take advantage of this. Chaplain's are available to all regardless of religious affiliation. They are very warm, understanding and non-judgmental and your converstaions are confidential.
If you receive a Medical discharge on R-Day or later - if your situation is such that you have every expectation to return to good health - i.e. you get mono or break your wrist - they typically you will receive a place in the next class.
During the Academic year - Plebes are much like their cohort of college freshmen at civilian university. Some will shine and excel and some will struggle. Some will not care and some will obsess. Some will have family problems back home, personal problems, roommate problems. Some will stress so much they will get depressed.
Even very bright Cadets have been known to fail. A couple of years ago a Plebe with 800/800 SAT's was sent home at the end of the first semester for failure. He chose to play video games - anything but study.
Early in January the Academic Board will meet. For Plebes there are several options - the Board may choose to retain with summer school, be sent home to be turned back to the next class or separated.
This is getting long but know that struggling is not abnormal. Getting help is crucial and some resist because it's a sign of "weakness".
The bottom line is if you are truly struggling - they WANT you to get help - but it has to come from YOU.
I think that "not fitting in" and academics are the two big reasons during plebe year for attrition. After that - there are a multitude of reasons - many of which are similiar to other kids of that age who leave civilian colleges.
A number of cadets will leave at the end of Yuk year who decide Army officership is not for them. Some of these actually end up enlisting. Others choose ROTC and others choose civilian life.
It's better to leave at this point if you have doubts than regretting NOT leaving upon graduation.
During Cow and Firstie year - cadets are separated. Again for Academics, but also for conduct violations and honor violations. Firsties who fail the APFT prior to graduation risk separation. Yes, it has happened.