- Joined
- Nov 25, 2017
- Messages
- 787
Incoming kiddos,
As R-Day approaches, I've seen a lot of frantic posts from you and your parents asking about all the possible facets of R-Day and CBT that very much bring me back to when I was in your shoes. From someone who has gone through this process and *survived,* stop sweating the small stuff so much. It is not worth wasting your last month at home deliberating over what brand of socks to bring in your bag.
You could show up to R-Day with your boots (get whatever brand fits you best--not necessarily what others are getting) and your low-quarters (no, don't worry about shining them) and some underwear and be fine. Don't fill your bag with socks; you won't wear them all. No, cadre do not check your underwear or sports bras for logos. Do not fret over learning knowledge ahead of time. Take a deep breath and pack what's on the packing list, if you think you'll need it. They are not going to go through your bags and steal your moleskin. Your family can bring your saxophone/skis/cleats on A-Day.
Don't worry about being an Olympic athlete on R-Day. You will not be kicked out for not being able to run a 15-minute two mile. I myself have never run a 15-minute two mile. Train your endurance and holistic strength (squats and deadlifts are your friend) but do not spend all your time left home on the track or at the gym. Beast will get you in decent shape. That's your Cadre's job.
Speaking of Cadre, your Cadre are my classmates. Some of my best friends will be your squad leaders and your Reg leadership. I don't think I'm super scary--though maybe I am
CBT is a time for them to learn leadership, and they are all acting when they yell at you or make you do pushups. It is a game, and a fun one at that. Don't quit because the Cadre yelled at you too much. A lot of the Class of 2024 dropped out during CBT when that is such a short portion of your cadet experience. At least wait until first semester is over before making that decision, even when you feel like you don't belong here. I look back on Beast and laugh--many of my Cadre are now my friends and I will be watching them graduate this May.
R-Day is fun (not for your parents, sorry) and is extremely dramatized in USMA PAO videos. It's a lot of waiting in lines and stuff to disorient you. I am hoping they will let your families attend this year, though anticipate them needing to be fully-vaccinated. It's one of the easiest days of CBT. You're going to do a lot of cool stuff your friends back home never will. You'll rappel off cliffs, shoot M240Bs, throw grenades, put tourniquets on your buddies, and much more. It is super exciting, and a pretty good time.
Every morning during CBT you will stand in formation with your entire class and watch the sunrise on the Plain before the cannon goes off and the flag is raised. Use that time to ground yourself, appreciate where you are and where you've come, and take it day by day. You will struggle but it is impossible to fail unless you quit.
As R-Day approaches, I've seen a lot of frantic posts from you and your parents asking about all the possible facets of R-Day and CBT that very much bring me back to when I was in your shoes. From someone who has gone through this process and *survived,* stop sweating the small stuff so much. It is not worth wasting your last month at home deliberating over what brand of socks to bring in your bag.
You could show up to R-Day with your boots (get whatever brand fits you best--not necessarily what others are getting) and your low-quarters (no, don't worry about shining them) and some underwear and be fine. Don't fill your bag with socks; you won't wear them all. No, cadre do not check your underwear or sports bras for logos. Do not fret over learning knowledge ahead of time. Take a deep breath and pack what's on the packing list, if you think you'll need it. They are not going to go through your bags and steal your moleskin. Your family can bring your saxophone/skis/cleats on A-Day.
Don't worry about being an Olympic athlete on R-Day. You will not be kicked out for not being able to run a 15-minute two mile. I myself have never run a 15-minute two mile. Train your endurance and holistic strength (squats and deadlifts are your friend) but do not spend all your time left home on the track or at the gym. Beast will get you in decent shape. That's your Cadre's job.
Speaking of Cadre, your Cadre are my classmates. Some of my best friends will be your squad leaders and your Reg leadership. I don't think I'm super scary--though maybe I am
CBT is a time for them to learn leadership, and they are all acting when they yell at you or make you do pushups. It is a game, and a fun one at that. Don't quit because the Cadre yelled at you too much. A lot of the Class of 2024 dropped out during CBT when that is such a short portion of your cadet experience. At least wait until first semester is over before making that decision, even when you feel like you don't belong here. I look back on Beast and laugh--many of my Cadre are now my friends and I will be watching them graduate this May.R-Day is fun (not for your parents, sorry) and is extremely dramatized in USMA PAO videos. It's a lot of waiting in lines and stuff to disorient you. I am hoping they will let your families attend this year, though anticipate them needing to be fully-vaccinated. It's one of the easiest days of CBT. You're going to do a lot of cool stuff your friends back home never will. You'll rappel off cliffs, shoot M240Bs, throw grenades, put tourniquets on your buddies, and much more. It is super exciting, and a pretty good time.
Every morning during CBT you will stand in formation with your entire class and watch the sunrise on the Plain before the cannon goes off and the flag is raised. Use that time to ground yourself, appreciate where you are and where you've come, and take it day by day. You will struggle but it is impossible to fail unless you quit.
x 1000
