A- Day Hotel and Travel Limit for Cadets

USMA*DAD*2026

USMA*DAD*2026

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Jan 27, 2022
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Has WP announced any distance limit for cadet ( On A Day ) to travel when they are with parents ? I heard from someone its 5 miles. We have our Hotel booked 22 miles away (no availability near WP for last 3 months).

What do parents do in such cases ? just move around in Car ? stay on post with Cadet ? Any suggestions will help.
 
We too had a hotel some miles away and off limits to DS. For Saturday, we had a restaurant prepare a picnic of sandwiches, salads and a dessert. We took chairs and ate at South Dock by the river. (Beware later in the day biting flies caused us to seek cover in the car. Insect repellant would probably cure the problem). Afterward we got in the car and drove into town and spent time at McDonalds nursing iced tea (we're from the South) and ice cream. I think we may have spent time at Barnstormers BBQ in Ft. Montgomery also. On Sunday, we went to the chapel with DS and had lunch in town. Yes, it would have been nice to have a hotel within the 5 mile walking privileges, but we had a good time with our DS and he enjoyed the time spent with us.
 
Prior to Covid, my recollection is that the distance was 75 miles - though I'm prepared to be corrected. Last year, the distance was 5 miles. We have not seen published guidance for this year yet. But, hopefully, things will be back to the normal 75 mile limit.
 
Last year, we were told it would be 75 miles and then West Point leadership made the difficult decision to restrict travel on A-Day weekend to five miles less than one week before A-Day. The point of this is be prepared for a change up to the last minute. The Parents coordinator for West Point recently told everyone at a Parents Club meet and greet that a final decision has not been made yet regarding travel distances. My only caution is if the distance is restricted to five miles, do not compromise your cadet by taking them to your hotel farther than five miles away. This might seem like an obvious point, but pissed off parents did it last year essentially creating an honor problem for their cadets.

With regards to what to do, planning a picnic or something like that would be a good idea. Ike Hall may also be open. The commissary actually has a good deli that will make sandwiches for a picnic as well. There may be a concert at Trophy Point on that Saturday night.
 
Unfortunately, the decision is not just something USMA does on their own. They may be limited by the infection rate in the local area. If Orange County is hot, then some DOD regulations may kick in.
I do recommend an AIRBNB or rental not far from post. Unfortunately, at a hotel it’s public and your Cadet may not be able to relax as much.
Good advice above about making plans but then have a plan B, C… actually, that’s a good idea for the entire SA journey.
I’m surprised about biting insects at South Dock. I’ve never experienced that.
Most of the restaurants in the area are okay. I would avoid Dong Fong, but most of the others are at least ok.
 
Proudandhopeful said:
Can DS sleep with us at the hotel within 5 miles or do they have to go back to WP st night?
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I believe we have to go back to the academy to sleep even on A-day weekend. Please fact check and correct me if I am wrong on this one.
 
Historically, I thought by hey were allowed to sleep away that night. But I could be wrong. Maybe it changed. Thanks for the reply. I’ll try to find out more.
 
Proudandhopeful said:
Historically, I thought by hey were allowed to sleep away that night. But I could be wrong. Maybe it changed. Thanks for the reply. I’ll try to find out more.
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A-Day weekend New Cadets report back by the hour designated. They are permitted to leave pretty early in the day again. But for the nights, they go back.
 
Proudandhopeful said:
Can DS sleep with us at the hotel within 5 miles or do they have to go back to WP st night?
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Plebes will be released after the A-Day parade - usually around 11:00 AM. Typically, they are required to be back in the barracks by 12:00 or 1:00 AM. They can then leave again on that Sunday morning by 6:00 AM and they must be back before accountability formation that evening. On Sunday, you might want to have them back a little early (like maybe after lunch) because they are going to want/need to have a little time to get ready for what comes next.
 
Proudandhopeful said:
Historically, I thought by hey were allowed to sleep away that night. But I could be wrong. Maybe it changed. Thanks for the reply. I’ll try to find out more.
Click to expand...
historically, plebes have always had to be back by a designated hour. pre covid the range has varied, ours was 75 miles in 2018 but I believe during covid it was the 5 mile walking privileges only.
 
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