A-Day Uniform

Ebsilon

5-Year Member
Joined
May 5, 2012
Messages
3
Super nerd question here; is it common for parents/family of a cadet to wear a uniform to A-Day, or just civilian clothes?

Asking for a friend.
 
A-Day is not a parent participation event. It is basically the graduation parade in reverse where instead of the graduating class marching out of the company, the incoming 4th class march in. After the parade they may have optional social events scheduled, but nothing formal that would require that a guest should wear a uniform. Back in the dark ages when I was a new fourth class cadet, I was just told there was a parade today and which afterwards we would no longer be considered new cadets. Parents were not invited or informed it just happened at a time sometime in the middle of the week. I remember spending most of the parade trying to figure out how I was going to get the laundry, I was head laundry carrier that week, that was incorrectly delivered to A1.
 
The vast majority of serving parents did NOT wear uniforms to A Day events last year. While I am certain there is no rule prohibiting wearing uniforms, my opinion is to let these events be about the cadets....
 
A-Day is casual. Military uniform is ok, but would only recommend if on duty at or near USMA and it is not convenient to change. Be prepared for lots of walking and any kind of weather. We got hot, muggy weather and then pouring rain in the middle of the parade.

Today, parents are involved in everything. Back in the day it was R-Day, Plebe Parent Weekend, and graduation.
 
Whatever is going on at West Point will never be about a parent...not at a parade, not in the Supe's box.

The only times I would even think about wearing my uniform are formal events like the dance during PPW, or commissioning.

Just an opinion from one dad.
 
Whatever is going on at West Point will never be about a parent...not at a parade, not in the Supe's box.

The only times I would even think about wearing my uniform are formal events like the dance during PPW, or commissioning.

Just an opinion from one dad.
Unless you’re assigned to West Point, no. Even then, only if your duties require it.
As pointed out maybe at other formal functions, but not A-Day.
I know GOs who wear civilians while visiting their child unless it’s a formal in order to diminish the chance of detracting from the Cadets.
 
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