C/O 2020 here, AMA

If you can recall all the way back to when you were a cadet candidate yourself, what part of your application do you think separated you from the rest and got you your appointment?

I certainly wasn't the strongest applicant when it came to grades, only about a 3.7 from a public school, but I had strong leadership in extracurriculars. (I also had a solid ACT which probably helped). I was an Eagle Scout and had some very special and rare opportunities with the organization that really helped me in interviews and writing essays. Interviews are really where you can set yourself apart and wow the crowd and I think that is where I excelled.

That being said, there are plenty of people at USMA who got in based on brains or brawn or a combination of both. I am NOT an 'elite' cadet, but I can hold my own in both the classroom and the gym. I also think a lot of it comes down to luck and who is applying in your district. Just focus on what you can control and try not to overthink things.
 
1) You will be able to shower at least once, but almost always, twice per day. Please take advantage of the showers, New Cadets are notorious for a particular stench and your cadre will thank you if you practice good hygiene. One exception to this is if you are in the field.

2) If my memory serves me right, there is an opportunity for services of all sorts of faiths and denominations every Sunday. There are also non-religious services which will give you pizza. I would recommend attending one anyways with your BEAST buddies since its a nice break and there is a ridiculous amount of food and goodies available. If you are in the field, let your Squad Leader know and they will do their best to accommodate your needs.

3) Uhhhh its been a hot second since I did BEAST and I know things have changed quite a bit but I'll do my best.
0450- wake up and bathroom, 0500 - dressed in PTs and accountability formation, 0520-0630? - PT, 0630-0700- shower n stuff, 0730-0800 Breakfast, 0830-1130: briefs or issue points. You will be spending a lot of time standing around and memorizing your knowledge book. 1130-1200 lunch, 1230-UTC afternoon briefs, issue points, or training. The evening is just dinner and maybe a brief or knowledge party.

The first part of BEAST is how to be a cadet while the second part is how to be a soldier. The first three weeks are filled with getting stuff like uniforms and taking placement tests for classes. There are lots of informational briefs and stuff too. Try not to fall asleep. You will spend a bit of time on the range with the M4, but most of the cool stuff is during the last three weeks. You'll ruck out to Buckner and do mountaineering, land nav, crew-served weapons, grenades, M4 qualification, rucks, and all sorts of fun stuff. Then you'll ruck back and be accepted into the Corps.

4) the IOCT was a pain but also fun in a sickening way. Please don't try to prepare for it by yourself. A lot of it is dangerous and they instructors will teach you all you need to know. If it makes you feel any better, I am a 6' 3'' dude that is VERY slow and clumsy but I never had any issues with the IOCT. There are a plethora of cadets and instructors who are happy to help you along. Much like everything else at USMA, it may be difficult to ace, but it is even harder to fail.

5) Plebe year isn't bad. Being at USMA is a really cool experience and you get to live it. Enjoy the football games and Army-Navy, old grads will be more than happy to feed you at tailgates after games. It's the start of a new era in your life. Everything you did before is washed away and you can start new. Make friends, stay in shape, and stay out of trouble. Make a good name for yourself, your reputation is all you have as a Plebe. Be a good follower so you can be a good leader. Lastly, have faith in yourself: USMA saw that you had the right stuff in you.

Thank you so much for your advice! I appreciate it a lot!
 
What do u do for FUN plebe year?

What would u have done differently knowing what you know now?
 
They do, but like any bureaucracy, change is slow.
They only changed out one sport in the whole 4 years I was there, if that is any indication.
Thanks! It seems as if wrestling was phased out of company athletics. Just out of curiosity, do you know the reasoning behind that and the possibility of the sport returning in the future?
 
What do u do for FUN plebe year?

What would u have done differently knowing what you know now?

1) Plebe year can be tough since you only have one pass for the whole semester, but higher will make some weekends free for all cadets so be sure to take advantage of those. Signing up on trip sections with various academic departments is another good way to get off post and make friends. If you are fortunate enough to make a club team, that will also help in meeting new people and going new places. Going to the gym is always a move too. Honestly, you aren't going to leave post as often and you won't have the money to do so, but take advantage of your extra time and pick up a new hobby or skill. For example, my roommate learned how to play guitar. Having a good group of friends will mean that you will never be too bored.

2) I wouldn't change much. I'm pretty happy where I am: I got my branch and my post of choice and enjoy my major. While it doesn't apply personally to me, make sure you stay out of trouble plebe year. Be a good plebe and follow the rules. The upperclass in your company will be judging you based on your ability to follow directions and do your duties. If you make a big fuss about it, nobody will want to be your friend once you're a yuk. You'll have a bad reputation which is extremely hard to change. Pass your classes, pass your ACFTs, and do your duties, it's that simple.
 
Thanks! It seems as if wrestling was phased out of company athletics. Just out of curiosity, do you know the reasoning behind that and the possibility of the sport returning in the future?

They have changed it to "combat grappling" which focuses on teaching and using the Army's martial arts program. While it is not wrestling, wrestlers tend to dominate the mats anyways. If you enjoy rolling around on the ground and getting sweaty, the combat grappling will fulfill that desire.
And they tend to switch things out just to give cadets something new to try. I am not in DPE so I couldn't tell you if/when it returns.
 
What was survival swimming like? How did those who weren't very strong swimmers do?

I was a swimmer in high school so I took the accelerated version, but they have a class called "rock swimming" where they will work with cadets who don't have a strong background in swimming. I think I heard that they even start training you during BEAST now, but I could be mistaken. Anyways, survival swim is also taught at different levels which corresponds to your ability. There are also plenty of resources available for struggling cadets outside the class including hours where the pool is open for retraining and retesting. There is a program put on by the Center for Enhanced Performance (CEP) which specifically addresses common issues in the class. My company also had about 4 cadets teaching other members in our company how to swim and be comfortable in the water during their free time. If your company doesn't sponsor something like this, then find a friend's who does and join them.
Like most things at USMA, it's hard to ace but much harder to fail.
Oh, and go on YouTube and search "USMA survival swimming" all the graded events are posted as videos and you can see what you'll be up to
 
1) Plebe year can be tough since you only have one pass for the whole semester, but higher will make some weekends free for all cadets so be sure to take advantage of those. Signing up on trip sections with various academic departments is another good way to get off post and make friends. If you are fortunate enough to make a club team, that will also help in meeting new people and going new places. Going to the gym is always a move too. Honestly, you aren't going to leave post as often and you won't have the money to do so, but take advantage of your extra time and pick up a new hobby or skill. For example, my roommate learned how to play guitar. Having a good group of friends will mean that you will never be too bored.

2) I wouldn't change much. I'm pretty happy where I am: I got my branch and my post of choice and enjoy my major. While it doesn't apply personally to me, make sure you stay out of trouble plebe year. Be a good plebe and follow the rules. The upperclass in your company will be judging you based on your ability to follow directions and do your duties. If you make a big fuss about it, nobody will want to be your friend once you're a yuk. You'll have a bad reputation which is extremely hard to change. Pass your classes, pass your ACFTs, and do your duties, it's that simple.
What do you mean by you won’t have the money? In regards to getting off campus, I thought all cadet earned a monthly stipend.
 
What do you mean by you won’t have the money? In regards to getting off campus, I thought all cadet earned a monthly stipend.

Yes, cadets have a monthly stipend, but Plebes only earn about $200 per month.
Consider that much of that money will be spent at USMA on school supplies, snacks, and ordering food or things of Amazon. NY is also a very expensive place to live and get around in. The train to the city costs $28 round-trip and hotels/airbnbs will be much more than $200. Ubers and subways also add up in the long run. The best way to counter the cost is to go with friends or sign up on trip sections where USMA will pay for you to have fun.
Also, think of planning for Army-Navy. That is usually an expensive weekend of travel and food and you'll want to save up for a fun weekend.
You really won't leave much until Cow year, that's when you'll have both the money and passes to do so.
 
I mentioned earlier that trying to practice for Mil Move is probably too dangerous to do without proper instruction. If anything, focus on HIIT workouts. The IOCT is only about 3 mins long, so it's a sprint. Also, developing strong calisthenics will help out in BEAST but also provide better mobility and balance than just running or just weightlifting. Mobility and balance are keys to success in Mil Move.
Thanks!
 
Have you been part of any clubs at USMA or are there any clubs you didn’t join but still seem fun and interesting?
 
Have you been part of any clubs at USMA or are there any clubs you didn’t join but still seem fun and interesting?

There are all sorts of clubs that serve every interest. While I wasn't on the team, I routinely hung out with the triathlon team and they are some super awesome people that do an incredible sport. If you go to USMA's website, there is a section under the Directorate of Cadet Activities with a list of all the clubs you can join. Personally, I was lucky to have an awesome company filled with awesome people so I preferred spending time with them rather than doing a club. You have to remember that your time at USMA is limited and clubs will take away your mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Just like USMA, it's a commitment.
 
Just a current Firstie stuck at home due to the occuring public health crisis. I figured I would return to this forum after a 4 year hiatus and dispense some knowledge to those who might want it. Feel free to ask anything and everything about USMA, I'll give you a straight answer.
What would come in handy for athletes trying to be recruited? (I'm trying to go for marksmanship)
 
What would come in handy for athletes trying to be recruited? (I'm trying to go for marksmanship)

I honestly have no idea how the recruitment process is done, I'm just a regular dude. If you get in, make sure you still make an effort to help your fellow plebes of your company with duties. Athletes get a bad reputation for shamming out of duties that everyone else shares. Other than that, just remember that you're going to be a D1 athlete on top of being a cadet: you won't have much free time.
 
I honestly have no idea how the recruitment process is done, I'm just a regular dude. If you get in, make sure you still make an effort to help your fellow plebes of your company with duties. Athletes get a bad reputation for shamming out of duties that everyone else shares. Other than that, just remember that you're going to be a D1 athlete on top of being a cadet: you won't have much free time.
Thank you for letting me know!
 
Back
Top