Current Plebe; Ask Away

Johanna_21 said:
Hello! Since WestPoint's football team plays other universities from other states, are the cadets allowed to travel with the team to watch the games at other states? I know at the Naval Academy, the cadets could travel to other states to watch football games of their school
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Just to refine while you are awaiting USMA info, and very generally speaking without getting into the fine details, USNA midshipmen must request to join a “movement order” for away games, of if they have weekend overnight liberty, they might travel on their own. Those requesting the MO usually have to be academically sat, not on restriction, get approval from their chain of command, and are in a duty status for the game. There may or may not be a quota for the MO. Plebes usually have scheduled activities on Sat AM, their academic status may not yet be known, or an MO might not be open to plebes. That said, mids do travel to away games and can have a great time doing it.
 
Johanna_21 said:
GoArmy2022 said:
The title kind of says it all! I’m a Plebe who’s just finishing up her first semester. Have done Sandhurst and finished Mil Move and Boxing both as well as completed a semester of this place, save a few TEEs. If you have any questions, you can talk to me here.

Note: If you’re going to be class of 2023, feel free to shoot me a private message and I’ll give you my phone number to add. That way you can ask me a question anytime you want and can ask me for help next year, whether you have a bad team leader who isn’t giving you much of a hand or you just think I’m decent.
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Hello! Since WestPoint's football team plays other universities from other states, are the cadets allowed to travel with the team to watch the games at other states? I know at the Naval Academy, the cadets could travel to other states to watch football games of their school
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Yes, there are spirit passes that cadets can take to either travel at their own expense and watch the game or that's funded through travel by the Academy for signing up for the trip section. Just has to be worked through the TAC officer and doesn't just apply to football but could be applied to certain games for other sports like soccer and basketball depending on who the team was playing. The stipulation is that the cadets will arrive at the game by a specified time and watch it in uniform which can be a pain but also worth the trade. One of my favorite such trips was a spirit pass to Philly to watch the A/N soccer game. Unfortunately Navy won out that day, but it was an absolutely fantastic match that went to OT and had everything that a good rivalry game should have.

There will also be games besides A/N football that cadets will get voluntold to go support if they are in the local area. We sent about a regiment of cadets to support a football game out in CT one year while I was there and typically whenever the football team played in Yankee stadium for publicity, we would send about half the Corps to go. The best bet was to take these as spirit passes if you knew you were going to have to go anyways so you weren't stuck on the bus there and back and just make a weekend out of it if you could swing the time.
 
Saralee said:
What do you bring on first day? How much money is needed, how many clothes and what kinds of clothes? Cell phone? Ect
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You do not need any money, however, I recommend 100-200 dollars cash on hand. Your DS/DD may need (to buy from Cadet-Store) underwear, flip-flops(not foam ones), replacement camel-back, fan, shooting gloves, laundry detergent, shampoo, etc...

Pack all your clothes in large ziplock bags it will make transferring them from civilian bags to military bags a lot less stressful (less stress during r-day is better).

Bring a cell-phone. As mentioned your DS/DD just wont get it back until beast is over. Your DS/DD will get it back on march-back usually and will want to make phone calls(not possible if they lack a phone).

-A Yuck
 
I really want to the join the class of 2023, but to be completely honest, I'm not up to standard in physical fitness. I've been training myself for the past couple months to meet at least the average standard for the APFT. However, I never played any sports and I'm kind of stocky so its particularly challenging for me to even score the above the minimum. How difficult is the physical challenge, and if you cant reach the minimum, what are the consequences? Also, can you be separated based on your physical performance?
 
Armylife said:
I really want to the join the class of 2023, but to be completely honest, I'm not up to standard in physical fitness. I've been training myself for the past couple months to meet at least the average standard for the APFT. However, I never played any sports and I'm kind of stocky so its particularly challenging for me to even score the above the minimum. How difficult is the physical challenge, and if you cant reach the minimum, what are the consequences? Also, can you be separated based on your physical performance?
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Do you have an appointment?
You mention you’re not scoring average in the APFT standards, did you pass your CFA?
You are self described as “stocky”. I consider that term to mean shorter and muscular as opposed to short and obese, but it’s irrelevant if you meet the height/weight standards. That said, being stocky shouldn’t make passing the physical requirements any more challenging than it would for a tall, skinny kid. You’re either in shape or you’re not. If not, get there, because yes, you can be separated for not meeting the physical standards.
There are many physical requirements outside of the APFT such as rucking, IOCT, Company PT, as well as Company athletics to name a few that you will be doing regularly.
 
shock-n-awe said:
Armylife said:
I really want to the join the class of 2023, but to be completely honest, I'm not up to standard in physical fitness. I've been training myself for the past couple months to meet at least the average standard for the APFT. However, I never played any sports and I'm kind of stocky so its particularly challenging for me to even score the above the minimum. How difficult is the physical challenge, and if you cant reach the minimum, what are the consequences? Also, can you be separated based on your physical performance?
Click to expand...
Do you have an appointment?
You mention you’re not scoring average in the APFT standards, did you pass your CFA?
You are self described as “stocky”. I consider that term to mean shorter and muscular as opposed to short and obese, but it’s irrelevant if you meet the height/weight standards. That said, being stocky shouldn’t make passing the physical requirements any more challenging than it would for a tall, skinny kid. You’re either in shape or you’re not. If not, get there, because yes, you can be separated for not meeting the physical standards.
There are many physical requirements outside of the APFT such as rucking, IOCT, Company PT, as well as Company athletics to name a few that you will be doing regularly.
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I do have an appointment and passed the physical requirement by the minimum. But I know that its within my best interest to at least be average. But within the past 2 months, I haven't been able to improve my run time, although I've been consistent in my workouts.
 
Johanna_21 said:
Hello! Since WestPoint's football team plays other universities from other states, are the cadets allowed to travel with the team to watch the games at other states? I know at the Naval Academy, the cadets could travel to other states to watch football games of their school
Click to expand...

Cadets are allowed to take what’s called a spirit pass to go see Army teams play! You will not travel with the team, but sometimes other travel options (like the boomerang bus) will be available. You can go out of state if you’re on pass.
 
Armylife said:
shock-n-awe said:
Armylife said:
I really want to the join the class of 2023, but to be completely honest, I'm not up to standard in physical fitness. I've been training myself for the past couple months to meet at least the average standard for the APFT. However, I never played any sports and I'm kind of stocky so its particularly challenging for me to even score the above the minimum. How difficult is the physical challenge, and if you cant reach the minimum, what are the consequences? Also, can you be separated based on your physical performance?
Click to expand...
Do you have an appointment?
You mention you’re not scoring average in the APFT standards, did you pass your CFA?
You are self described as “stocky”. I consider that term to mean shorter and muscular as opposed to short and obese, but it’s irrelevant if you meet the height/weight standards. That said, being stocky shouldn’t make passing the physical requirements any more challenging than it would for a tall, skinny kid. You’re either in shape or you’re not. If not, get there, because yes, you can be separated for not meeting the physical standards.
There are many physical requirements outside of the APFT such as rucking, IOCT, Company PT, as well as Company athletics to name a few that you will be doing regularly.
Click to expand...

I do have an appointment and passed the physical requirement by the minimum. But I know that its within my best interest to at least be average. But within the past 2 months, I haven't been able to improve my run time, although I've been consistent in my workouts.
Click to expand...
Congratulations on you appointment!

There are many threads about prepping fo RDay. Read them, develop a new program and get running! Be honest with yourself about how committed you are regarding your training. It’s literally the easiest thing within your control to improve if you put your mind to it.
If you have been training for two months without any positive results, you need to change your training!
The Army and physical fitness/preparedness is a lifestyle.
 
What is your experience with prior-enlisted cadets at USMA?
If Sandhurst is considered its own sport, is it possible to participate in both a Sandhurst team and a club/intramural activity?
Do you know anything about the process of trying out for the Cadet Glee Club?
In years 2-4, how do individual people move up within internal cadet ranks?
 
Honey_Badger said:
What is your experience with prior-enlisted cadets at USMA?
If Sandhurst is considered its own sport, is it possible to participate in both a Sandhurst team and a club/intramural activity?
Do you know anything about the process of trying out for the Cadet Glee Club?
In years 2-4, how do individual people move up within internal cadet ranks?
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For prior enlisted your greatest challenge may be getting through the first 3/4 part of Plebe year and adapting to “the West Point” way versus the Army way. Remind yourself, Plebe year is not just about you, but it’s about the Cadets next to you and over you. Teaching them to follow and lead.
On the other hand you’ve learned tricks that will help your fellow New Cadets and will help them get through Beast. Help them. But don’t be the “know it all”.
I was ROTC. I see the experiences my prior DD has had at West Point. There is a difference. The key is what you do with what you are given.
 
UHBlackhawk said:
Honey_Badger said:
What is your experience with prior-enlisted cadets at USMA?
If Sandhurst is considered its own sport, is it possible to participate in both a Sandhurst team and a club/intramural activity?
Do you know anything about the process of trying out for the Cadet Glee Club?
In years 2-4, how do individual people move up within internal cadet ranks?
Click to expand...

For prior enlisted your greatest challenge may be getting through the first 3/4 part of Plebe year and adapting to “the West Point” way versus the Army way. Remind yourself, Plebe year is not just about you, but it’s about the Cadets next to you and over you. Teaching them to follow and lead.
On the other hand you’ve learned tricks that will help your fellow New Cadets and will help them get through Beast. Help them. But don’t be the “know it all”.
I was ROTC. I see the experiences my prior DD has had at West Point. There is a difference. The key is what you do with what you are given.
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Thank you for your reply. Actively working to keep a humble mindset, avoid being cynical, and at the same time being encouraging and helpful where I can lend a hand or share some tricks to make Beast a better experience for everyone involved. At the same time, supporting those in above me, knowing what we do as Plebes directly affects them.

Besides uniforms, customs and courtesies, and the general structure of the Corps of Cadets, what else should I be ready to embrace as the 'West Point way?'
 
What was your experience with shaving during Beast Barracks? Do you recommend dry shaving or bringing shaving cream? Also what type of razors were most popular while training in the field?
 
Honey_Badger said:
What is your experience with prior-enlisted cadets at USMA?
If Sandhurst is considered its own sport, is it possible to participate in both a Sandhurst team and a club/intramural activity?
Do you know anything about the process of trying out for the Cadet Glee Club?
In years 2-4, how do individual people move up within internal cadet ranks?
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My DD said the prior enlisted and USMA prep kids got her through beast with both there experience and helpfulness. Be that person, and help your fellow plebe.
Yes you will have the chance to try out for your company sandhurst team and if you make the team depending on your academics (if you are genius level smart) you may have time for another activity. My DD was on sandhurst and they got eliminated at the October competition at which time she picked up a winter sport. She would not have had time to fit a single other thing in her schedule.
Be prepared for having no free time, plebes are busy all day literally from 5:30 am till 11:30 pm, except Sunday. When they try to catch up and prepare for the next week.
Congrats on your appointment!
 
Will there be opportunities to tryout for football (regular and sprint) during beast? If so, should they reach out to coaches beforehand or will they be notified of tryout dates while there?
 
DDmom said:
Be prepared for having no free time, plebes are busy all day literally from 5:30 am till 11:30 pm, except Sunday. When they try to catch up and prepare for the next week.
Congrats on your appointment!
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The biggest thing, according to DD, is figuring out time management. Luckily, she figured out early on that some time on Sunday is best spent getting ahead of any studying that you can; it pays off come mid week, when you are going back underwater. DDmom hits it on the head.........busy from pre dawn to well after dusk.
 
Honey_Badger said:
Thank you for your reply. Actively working to keep a humble mindset, avoid being cynical, and at the same time being encouraging and helpful where I can lend a hand or share some tricks to make Beast a better experience for everyone involved. At the same time, supporting those in above me, knowing what we do as Plebes directly affects them.

Besides uniforms, customs and courtesies, and the general structure of the Corps of Cadets, what else should I be ready to embrace as the 'West Point way?'
Click to expand...
Not something to embrace, but something to watch for. Look at your LES very carefully during your Plebe year. DFAS messed up my DDs pay royally. They kept withholding the same amount for taxes as if she was still enlisted. She ended up getting several “No Pay Due” LESs as her Cadet account fell below the minimum. Fortunately she had money in savings so it was not a big issue.
If you have a combat patch might as well take it off as they make everyone wear the same uniform the first half of beast.
You can’t keep leave, so think about if you want to sell it back or take “terminal” leave.
Keep your eyes on the big picture. Do the same thing with plebe year you probably did in basic and other military schools. One day at a time. If you’re down in the dumps take it one meal at a time. One day, toward the end of plebe year, you will wake up and realize it’s worth it.
 
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