- Joined
- Nov 12, 2010
- Messages
- 210
http://www.usma.edu/cfd/SiteAssets/SitePages/FDW/Cadet Required Knowledge.pdf
This is the official knowledge book. I don't recommend memorizing it all, but get familiar with things that are tricky and that stump cadets. some of those are:
Cadet rank insignia
Enlisted/ officer rank
Schofields definition of discipline
the soldiers creed
hows the cow
the days ----know this one
reporting procedures
saluting procedures.
Don't be "that guy" that knows it all like the back of his hand on R day, but a little bit of reading helps alot.
My tips for beast:
-other than looking over the knowledge, relax and enjoy you last few weeks...it comes fast.
-yes, knowing/ studying knowledge during beast SEEMS like the most important thing in the world, but the priorities should go like this:
1) health
nothing during beast is worth getting injured over, push yourself, but don't be stupid. I tore a ligament in my ankle week 3, and decided that doing land nav, ruck marches, and runs on it was a good idea....had to have surgery. Don't be like me.
2) sleep
sleep is more important than studying that knowledge book for 3 hours under red light or trying to shine your shoes, you need the rest.
3) being a good sport.
have fun, everyone is learning during beast, roll with the punches.
Pack light on R day, they issue you mostly everything (if you want the full list, email me and I'll send it to you) I recommend literally:
-broken in boots
-very very broken in low quarters
-some comfy spandex, black
-small fan 6"
-stamps
-feminine stuff if you need it (girls, pack some sports bras and extra underwear, and tons of hair supplies)
-a good multitool
-head lamp with red light feature
anything else is too much in my opinion. They issue shampoo, tooth brush, toothpaste, foot powder, soap, socks, underwear (they aren't that bad..), shoe wax, and anything else you could think of. I saw someone show up with nothing in hand, and they turned out okay.
****important****
you parents can send you packages. I sent myself one 3 days before R day, with my favorite shampoo, body wash, some duct tape (so valuable) and tons of bobby pins and hair bands (ladies), they can send packages all through beast as long as it doesn't have contraband.
The more you carry in on R day, the more miserable you will be. I had about 10-12lbs of stuff, and with everything they issue, I had about 40-50bs on my back for the whole day. Others who brought in a huge duffle were suffering.
--have a good attitude---
-remember that not everyone comes to west point to be a ranger. So when a classmate falls behind in something you think is "too easy", go back and help them. Jokes, remarks, and comments are not necessary and look bad on you.
-laugh at the stupid stuff.
west point continues to amaze me with memos/rules that don't make any sense. All you can do is laugh and do it, everyone has to.
The biggest thing:
Beast is only 6 weeks of your life. Some people love it (not many) and most hate every minute. it is less than 1 percent of your military grade at west point, so don't be upset if it doesnt turn out the way you want.
Anyways, I hope it helps, post questions here and I will try to answer best I can.
This is the official knowledge book. I don't recommend memorizing it all, but get familiar with things that are tricky and that stump cadets. some of those are:
Cadet rank insignia
Enlisted/ officer rank
Schofields definition of discipline
the soldiers creed
hows the cow
the days ----know this one
reporting procedures
saluting procedures.
Don't be "that guy" that knows it all like the back of his hand on R day, but a little bit of reading helps alot.
My tips for beast:
-other than looking over the knowledge, relax and enjoy you last few weeks...it comes fast.
-yes, knowing/ studying knowledge during beast SEEMS like the most important thing in the world, but the priorities should go like this:
1) health
nothing during beast is worth getting injured over, push yourself, but don't be stupid. I tore a ligament in my ankle week 3, and decided that doing land nav, ruck marches, and runs on it was a good idea....had to have surgery. Don't be like me.
2) sleep
sleep is more important than studying that knowledge book for 3 hours under red light or trying to shine your shoes, you need the rest.
3) being a good sport.
have fun, everyone is learning during beast, roll with the punches.
Pack light on R day, they issue you mostly everything (if you want the full list, email me and I'll send it to you) I recommend literally:
-broken in boots
-very very broken in low quarters
-some comfy spandex, black
-small fan 6"
-stamps
-feminine stuff if you need it (girls, pack some sports bras and extra underwear, and tons of hair supplies)
-a good multitool
-head lamp with red light feature
anything else is too much in my opinion. They issue shampoo, tooth brush, toothpaste, foot powder, soap, socks, underwear (they aren't that bad..), shoe wax, and anything else you could think of. I saw someone show up with nothing in hand, and they turned out okay.
****important****
you parents can send you packages. I sent myself one 3 days before R day, with my favorite shampoo, body wash, some duct tape (so valuable) and tons of bobby pins and hair bands (ladies), they can send packages all through beast as long as it doesn't have contraband.
The more you carry in on R day, the more miserable you will be. I had about 10-12lbs of stuff, and with everything they issue, I had about 40-50bs on my back for the whole day. Others who brought in a huge duffle were suffering.
--have a good attitude---
-remember that not everyone comes to west point to be a ranger. So when a classmate falls behind in something you think is "too easy", go back and help them. Jokes, remarks, and comments are not necessary and look bad on you.
-laugh at the stupid stuff.
west point continues to amaze me with memos/rules that don't make any sense. All you can do is laugh and do it, everyone has to.
The biggest thing:
Beast is only 6 weeks of your life. Some people love it (not many) and most hate every minute. it is less than 1 percent of your military grade at west point, so don't be upset if it doesnt turn out the way you want.
Anyways, I hope it helps, post questions here and I will try to answer best I can.
Try getting your friends/family to send you news and jokes on the mail! It was really helpful for me 
