Material Memorization?

JonathanDKNguyen

5-Year Member
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
12
Hello all,

I received a book titled In Search of Ethics and there were no instructions attached. I'm going to assume that it's in my best interest to read the book, but will I be tested and whatnot on the material?

Also, my best friend was appointed to USAFA and he has to memorize the fight song for his respective academy, and a another classmate must memorize something for USNA. I have yet to receive word that I should memorize materials before R-Day. Could anyone inform me if I'm out of the loop?

Thank you

Jonathan
 
I also received that book. I'm not so sure we need to memorize anything from it. But I was told by some Firsties (that I know through friends) that it would be in my best interest to look up the "Bugle Notes" and get to memorizing.
 
Are you serious? That is a huge list of things to remember?
 
Well i would suggest by starting out by knowing all the general knowledge.
such as

army values
warrior ethos
soldier's creed (its not as hard as people crack it up to be)
the 3 general orders

you also may want to know customs and curiosities.

This is just general knowledge among the army. all e-2's must know these, so you might at as well learn em earlier.
 
Read the Ethics book; there is not a test.

DO NOT waste your last few days of lazy summer memorizing plebe knowledge from Bugle Notes. There is plenty of time to memorize once you are issued your own copy on Rday. Just chill and be safe and not stupid...:wink:
 
To add to what Mom3boys posted...you may want your parents to bring the ethics book on A-day or send it to you after beast. In my son's case they used the book during the academic year for Professional Military Ethic Education (PME).

Every year there is a debate over whether cadet candidates should begin memorizing prior to R-day. You can find arguments for and against in some old threads. From watching the debate for the last four years it seems that the best advice from cadets is NOT to memorize in advance (except for maybe the cadet rank structure). You should learn your knowledge along with your classmates.

If you are dead set on memorizing things before R-day DO NOT make it obvious to the cadre that you have. This can bring extra attention from them (unless you enjoy that kind of thing :wink:).
 
Just adding that my son is heading to USAFA (per the info in the first post) and wasn't told to memorize the AF Song or anything else. Of course he's had it on his ipod for the last 5 years so pretty much does have it memorized (although he says they were told at SS that they had to SING it when asked it - anyone who asks him to do that once probably won't make that mistake again as singing isn't his strong point!). Anyone can figure out some of the basic stuff to memorize for any academy - the cadet/mid, officer, & enlisted ranks for that branch, the Code of Conduct, the academy's mission and Alma Mater/fight song. Other than that I think it's hard to memorize and know what you'll be expected to know and to have the same sense of "urgency" that you will come Beast!
 
Take a look at R-Day pictures on the WP website. You'll have time to memorize beginning that very day.:hammer:

I agree with WAMom. This is a debate every year at this time. I don't think there's anything wrong with reading through some of the knowledge you'll have to eventually memorize. A little familiarity with the material will make it a less formidable task and you'll still have the "advantage" of memorizing during Beast.

Good luck to all!
 
You have about a year to memorize stuff from the bugle notes. Personally, I'm working at it bit by bit so that I won't have as much stress memorizing stuff at West Point. Seriously, the hundreds of trivia questions over a year will make life much easier.

So I recommend memorizing at a relaxed pace throughout the year, but don't overdo it.

Just my two cents.
 
Uhh actually hes leaving for USMA in less than two weeks if he got the ethics book...
 
I know, I'm saying that since he was sent the ethic book, the op is a 2014 appointee because xiaotan doesnt seem to understand this.
 
They gave this book to candidates at SLS as well. The author was there and we had a chance for autographs. It's actually a pretty interesting read :thumb:
 
I still haven't received the Ethics book, or the Commandant's mailing (unless that was the one with your P.O. Box...), or the R-Day Arrival times mailing.
 
If you haven't received that info, you should contact admissions.
 
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