What was beast like? I’ve heard mixed things and I guess it depends on the specific person. Best and worst parts?? any advice going in?
Just like any other experience, Beast is different for different people. It can be fun if you make the most of the cool parts. If you’re cynical, it’s going to suck.
As a New Cadet, you have the least amount of agency of any individual in the West Point hierarchy. Technically, all members of USMA are the same rank after taking the oath and gaining secret security clearance—in fact, every cadet even makes the same salary of about $1080–the only difference is that Plebes only see 1/5th of it and Firsties see 1/2.
The ranks within West Point, however, are taken seriously by cadet cadre, as this is their role in the system. Additionally, it’s taken seriously by the administration. But certain cadets will care less during the academic year.
Nonetheless, as a New Cadet, you are at the bottom of the totem pole. You are technically at the position of attention (or modified attention aka parade rest) at all times, are rarely allowed to speak to your fellow New Cadets, and will adopt a role that requires much perceived unimportance to the system.
I recommend you take practice APFTs prior to arrival. You should score higher than a 270 before Beast. You should also be within the height/weight specifications the Army requires (or be able to pass the tape test), as well as do the minimum amount of pull-ups required on the CFA. They test your pull-ups on R-day and write it on a tag. It might embarrass you to have a low score.
The best parts are learning new skills and getting to apply them. Beast will teach you a lot of these including rifle marksmanship (M4) and daytime land navigation. You will also learn the fundamentals of grenadiering and military science (the art of combat, United States style) while you are issued important gear such as your rifle, OCPs, ruck (which you’ll use more than you like), flight bag, etc.
The worst part of Beast is being a New Cadet, similarly to how the worst part of Plebe year is being a Plebe. You will get used to a severe loss of your privileges, feel as though you have a lot, and then realize that, especially compared to your buddies at civilian colleges, you don’t.
But you must remember what you’ve traded these privileges for. West Point is the opportunity of not one but several lifetimes. It takes a lot to get in there and even more to stay. You might fall in love with the place, but if you don’t, you will fall in love with the people. Not all of them—some cadets are...well, not the greatest, and you’ll learn that quickly—but some are the most incredible people you could have the privilege of knowing.
Prepare for one of the greatest journeys of your life. If you want my contact information for next year, feel free to DM me and ask for my number. I will be available to assist you next year if you ever need it.