Beast 1 SL-AMA

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usma22

New Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2020
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7
Hey everyone,

I am going to be a Beast 1 squad leader this summer, and I remember how much this forum helped me out when I was losing a lot of hope two years ago and this is a way to give back (didn’t find out until April, but here I am and I’m doing fine for all of those that will be in the same boat). That being said, ask me anything and I’ll do my best to answer with what I can
 
Hey! I just accepted my appointment for the class of 2024, and I'm super excited. I have a few questions:
  1. I've heard about the math, chemistry, and history (?) tests that new cadets take during Beast to help with class placement. Do all new cadets take the tests? And how difficult are the tests?
  2. What are some good ways to prepare for the mental and physical exhaustion that I'll endure during Beast?
  3. I'm a recruited athlete. Are Corps Squad athletes allowed to spend any time with their team during Beast?
  4. What was one thing you wish you better prepared for before R-Day?
Thanks in advance for your help, it's much appreciated.
 
What is the #1 thing you saw during Beast that nobody should ever do?
 
USMA22:

For non-recruited athletes, and non-lettered (sports) high school seniors, what physical training program is best from now till R-Day?
I joined a local Cross-Fit gym, and running 3 days a week.
What proportion of specific workouts take priority?
My CFA is high although I did not participate in Varsity sports.
Thank you.
 
usma.2024 said:
Hey! I just accepted my appointment for the class of 2024, and I'm super excited. I have a few questions:
  1. I've heard about the math, chemistry, and history (?) tests that new cadets take during Beast to help with class placement. Do all new cadets take the tests? And how difficult are the tests?
  2. What are some good ways to prepare for the mental and physical exhaustion that I'll endure during Beast?
  3. I'm a recruited athlete. Are Corps Squad athletes allowed to spend any time with their team during Beast?
  4. What was one thing you wish you better prepared for before R-Day?
Thanks in advance for your help, it's much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Congrats!
1. I remember everyone taking a math placement test and a language aptitude test, and only those that wanted to/were selected took chemistry and english. Not sure about history. I don't remember either the math or the language aptitude test being particularly difficult, but I also don't remember much about the first week of beast.
2. The best way to prepare for physical exhaustion is just to be in the best physical shape that you can be going into it, but after you reach a certain point it's all just mental perseverance. Mentally, there's not a ton you can do. Beast was a very different environment than I was used to (as it will be for pretty much everyone), and it's not something that you can exactly prepare for mentally. Just know that it's only 6 weeks, and enjoy the parts that you can.
3. Yes, during my beast we had mass athletic time during which Corps Squad would go practice with their respective teams.
4. I wish I had worried less about what was to come and focused more on the time that I had with my family and friends. This will be the last time for a while that you get the same freedom that you have now, and you'll be glad that you spent that time with family and friends instead of freaking out about working out or trying to memorize knowledge ahead of time.
 
Zaggs said:
What is the #1 thing you saw during Beast that nobody should ever do?
Click to expand...
I can't think of a particular example off the top of my head, but just do exactly what you're told and don't worry too much if you fail at something. You're supposed to mess up, just don't repeat easy mistakes and don't be dumb. Most of the issues that people faced could've been fixed if they had just done that.
 
GADestiny said:
USMA22:

For non-recruited athletes, and non-lettered (sports) high school seniors, what physical training program is best from now till R-Day?
I joined a local Cross-Fit gym, and running 3 days a week.
What proportion of specific workouts take priority?
My CFA is high although I did not participate in Varsity sports.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
What you're doing sounds like it should be fine for beast. As far as morning PT, we alternated cardio and strength (body-weight exercises), so just make sure that you can keep up with that. If you had a high CFA then just keep up with what you're doing, and at least be familiar with the movements of the ACFT.
 
Hi! Thank you for being available to answer questions...
--I am interested to know how new 'cadets' starting Beast are assigned to squads...
--Are there certain PT shoes, boots that you recommend one purchases and 'breaks in' before Beast start?
--I'm sure there are many ways to help each other out during Beast but, what are some typical areas that a cadet can help another that may be struggling?
 
GLJQ said:
Hi! Thank you for being available to answer questions...
--I am interested to know how new 'cadets' starting Beast are assigned to squads...
--Are there certain PT shoes, boots that you recommend one purchases and 'breaks in' before Beast start?
--I'm sure there are many ways to help each other out during Beast but, what are some typical areas that a cadet can help another that may be struggling?
Click to expand...
Of course!
I’m sure West Point has some sort of algorithm to sort people into their squads but it seems pretty random to me. There’s no way to know which one you’ll be in beforehand unless the roster gets leaked again

I would make sure your running shoes are broken in, and at least wear your low quarters a couple times so that they don’t tear up your feet. You wear them pretty much the entire first week so you don’t want blisters. As far as boots go, you don’t really need to worry about breaking them in as much, as most of the time they’re pretty much good to go out of the box.

One big thing that people tend to not think about is making sure that you help your squad/roommates get ready when you’re done. Getting out on the wall in the morning is not a competition, and I would much rather see you almost be late because you were helping a buddy out that’s a little slower than be first while everyone else is struggling. Beast is not something that can be done alone, so the more you rely on the people around you, the better it’ll be.
 
usma22 said:
Congrats!
1. I remember everyone taking a math placement test and a language aptitude test, and only those that wanted to/were selected took chemistry and english. Not sure about history. I don't remember either the math or the language aptitude test being particularly difficult, but I also don't remember much about the first week of beast.
2. The best way to prepare for physical exhaustion is just to be in the best physical shape that you can be going into it, but after you reach a certain point it's all just mental perseverance. Mentally, there's not a ton you can do. Beast was a very different environment than I was used to (as it will be for pretty much everyone), and it's not something that you can exactly prepare for mentally. Just know that it's only 6 weeks, and enjoy the parts that you can.
3. Yes, during my beast we had mass athletic time during which Corps Squad would go practice with their respective teams.
4. I wish I had worried less about what was to come and focused more on the time that I had with my family and friends. This will be the last time for a while that you get the same freedom that you have now, and you'll be glad that you spent that time with family and friends instead of freaking out about working out or trying to memorize knowledge ahead of time.
Click to expand...
Great information. Thanks so much for the reply, I really appreciate it.
 
Thanks for making this post! One of the things that I’m most worried about Beast is the running, particularly running a fast mile. I hit the average for candidates when I took my CFA, but what mile time should I strive for?
 
I'm a mid, but I think this advice still applies to USMA plebes entering their first summer.

If you can afford it, go to a running store and have your gait and feet analyzed. Custom insoles and properly fitted shoes are a huge plus, especially if you break them in beforehand.

Your summer will be exponentially better if your feet and shins don't hurt.
 
GADestiny said:
USMA22:

For non-recruited athletes, and non-lettered (sports) high school seniors, what physical training program is best from now till R-Day?
I joined a local Cross-Fit gym, and running 3 days a week.
What proportion of specific workouts take priority?
My CFA is high although I did not participate in Varsity sports.
Thank you.
Click to expand...

I will give the advice I give every time this is asked. Two things not to ignore.
1. Work on core weight strength training. This will help with ruck marching and long-distance running. In addition to helping prevent injuries, it will help in recovery.
2. Don't ignore short distance speed training. The military run tests are more like long sprints than long-distance runs. Do a bunch of 220's, 440's, 1/2 mile sprints, Fartleks.
3. Look at the new ACFT (Army Combat Fitness Test) and start training for it. There is information online on how to train for this and there may be some trainers at your Crossfit gym who can help.
 
Skipper07 said:
I'm a mid, but I think this advice still applies to USMA plebes entering their first summer.

If you can afford it, go to a running store and have your gait and feet analyzed. Custom insoles and properly fitted shoes are a huge plus, especially if you break them in beforehand.

Your summer will be exponentially better if your feet and shins don't hurt.
Click to expand...
Always take care of your feet. Get the best running shoes you can afford that work for you.
 
Confused a bit regarding boots and shoes. We need to get the tan boots, the black low dress shoes and running shoes?? Can u wear ANY running shoe? Thx so much
 
Ditka089 said:
Confused a bit regarding boots and shoes. We need to get the tan boots, the black low dress shoes and running shoes?? Can u wear ANY running shoe? Thx so much
Click to expand...
Any running shoe. Boots from the boot memo and I would recommend trying the shoes on at a local base or if going to WP for a visit bring your appointment letter and try on at the cadet store. We got bates. They run large and wide. My DD needed a half size smaller and narrow. Has never needed a smaller size.
they will issue both boots and low quarters but neither fit well and were not broken in.
Brake in the low quarters or risk killer blisters that will affect your attitude and performance.
 
DDmom said:
Any running shoe. Boots from the boot memo and I would recommend trying the shoes on at a local base or if going to WP for a visit bring your appointment letter and try on at the cadet store. We got bates. They run large and wide. My DD needed a half size smaller and narrow. Has never needed a smaller size.
they will issue both boots and low quarters but neither fit well and were not broken in.
Brake in the low quarters or risk killer blisters that will affect your attitude and performance.
Click to expand...
Barefoot style running shoes are not permitted.
Conservative colors are recommended. The PT uniform is black, so shop with that in mind.
Definitely break in your boots and low quarters.
 
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