Current Plebe here to answer any questions!

20kbrown04

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2021
Messages
23
Hey, y'all! I remember around this time last year quite a few candidates have finished everything in their application and are awaiting to figure out if they were 3 Q'd. (If you haven't finished the application just yet, don't fret! you still have time, but make sure to get it done in a timely manner).

Right now, I have figured out a good routine that works for me to go about my daily life, so if y'all have any questions about what the academic workload looks like, how some classes are, what BEAST was like, how company athletics are (specifically funky fit), or even spirit band please do not be afraid to ask!

I'll try to answer as many questions as possible in a timely manner!

Good luck and I hope to see y'all next year! :)
 
Hey, y'all! I remember around this time last year quite a few candidates have finished everything in their application and are awaiting to figure out if they were 3 Q'd. (If you haven't finished the application just yet, don't fret! you still have time, but make sure to get it done in a timely manner).

Right now, I have figured out a good routine that works for me to go about my daily life, so if y'all have any questions about what the academic workload looks like, how some classes are, what BEAST was like, how company athletics are (specifically funky fit), or even spirit band please do not be afraid to ask!

I'll try to answer as many questions as possible in a timely manner!

Good luck and I hope to see y'all next year! :)
My DS has completed his application at this time, except the CFA videos have not review yet. I wonder if his application is competitive enough because he doesn't appointment for medical exam.
 
My DS has completed his application at this time, except the CFA videos have not review yet. I wonder if his application is competitive enough because he doesn't appointment for medical exam.
Usually, DoDMERB does not schedule exams until almost all (if not all) of the application is completed and fully reviewed. Sometimes they will schedule earlier, sometimes they wait for the candidate to receive a nomination. If you go to the DoDMERB thread and email Mr. Larry Mullen he might be able to help!

For competitiveness, there is still time to keep on improving. Continue to take and study for the standardized tests, make sure senioritis does not get the best of him (trust me, it's a struggle), and keep on working out. The worst part of the application is the wait, but that is one of the major lessons that the Army loves to teach: "hurry up, and wait"
 
Not to answer for 20kbrown04 but i will give you what my son has said:

1st is Time Management! The academy constantly gives cadets more than can be done in a day. It makes you juggle and prioritize - “I can workout every day but I may have to settle for a lower grade in _____ class or do I play a sport but that may mean little time to socialize. Develop good study habits and time management skills!

2nd is Get Physically Fit! My son was a runner (5+ miles a day), a competitive swimmer, and played lacrosse. You will have time to improve fitness during BEAST but it sure makes life easier if you are in very good shape on arrival. Many cadets relax after the CFA and stop there - Don’t! Keep improving your fitness. My son just tried out for the Parachute Team. One part of the long tryout process was a 14 hour “smoke” session with timed 15+ mile ruck, after a full day of obstacle courses and PT.

3rd - Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy your senior year! If you do go to USMA you will look back and fondly remember those weekend mornings where you could sleep in, or go to the movies with friends, and think “what do I want to do today?” Get your application done and try to relax and wait. It is hard, and always have a “Plan B” but don’t sacrifice your senior year.

All that said, my son loves being at West Point and despite the Plebe tasks, lack of sleep, and constant places to be. He has developed friendships stronger than any bonds formed before and the opportunities are amazing. Enjoy the journey! Good luck with your application and desire to serve.
 
Usually, DoDMERB does not schedule exams until almost all (if not all) of the application is completed and fully reviewed. Sometimes they will schedule earlier, sometimes they wait for the candidate to receive a nomination. If you go to the DoDMERB thread and email Mr. Larry Mullen he might be able to help!

For competitiveness, there is still time to keep on improving. Continue to take and study for the standardized tests, make sure senioritis does not get the best of him (trust me, it's a struggle), and keep on working out. The worst part of the application is the wait, but that is one of the major lessons that the Army loves to teach: "hurry up, and wait"
Following up on my DS medical status has now changed on the portal. Both exams are scheduled for next week. Is that mean the admission committee has determined him as competitive?
 
Not to answer for 20kbrown04 but i will give you what my son has said:

1st is Time Management! The academy constantly gives cadets more than can be done in a day. It makes you juggle and prioritize - “I can workout every day but I may have to settle for a lower grade in _____ class or do I play a sport but that may mean little time to socialize. Develop good study habits and time management skills!

2nd is Get Physically Fit! My son was a runner (5+ miles a day), a competitive swimmer, and played lacrosse. You will have time to improve fitness during BEAST but it sure makes life easier if you are in very good shape on arrival. Many cadets relax after the CFA and stop there - Don’t! Keep improving your fitness. My son just tried out for the Parachute Team. One part of the long tryout process was a 14 hour “smoke” session with timed 15+ mile ruck, after a full day of obstacle courses and PT.

3rd - Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy your senior year! If you do go to USMA you will look back and fondly remember those weekend mornings where you could sleep in, or go to the movies with friends, and think “what do I want to do today?” Get your application done and try to relax and wait. It is hard, and always have a “Plan B” but don’t sacrifice your senior year.

All that said, my son loves being at West Point and despite the Plebe tasks, lack of sleep, and constant places to be. He has developed friendships stronger than any bonds formed before and the opportunities are amazing. Enjoy the journey! Good luck with your application and desire to serve.
Love this!!! @MarTac this is very good advice. It is great to hear the perspectives of many, so you know what your weaknesses and strengths may be.

For me, I realized that:

1.) Time Management is critical. I spend more time preparing for my higher credit hour courses than I do with the less. 4.5 credit hours compared to 1.5 is quite the difference. You will notice that you won't be able to finish every assignment here, so start developing study habits that will make you a better and faster reader, organization skills so you do not get behind, and find a method that reminds you of everything that is due. After BEAST, you are out on your own, responsible for your duties, classes, and other responsibilities. If you forget something it is on you.

2.) BEAST loves to run you to death, so make sure that you can run 3 miles at least at a 9:00 minute pace. If I had known this, I think it would have been much easier for me to keep up with my group. Also, nothing can prepare you for the hills you are going to face here. If you can, try to practice inclined sprints, ruck at an incline, get used to the heat, and get used to being uncomfortable.

3.) West Point wants to challenge you because they know you can handle it. When you are getting "smoked" or corrected, realize that we are all just kids working for the same mission. Additionally, when you are getting smoked it's good to remember that it won't last forever. Everyone here has a schedule, so embrace the suck because the reward is worth it.

4.) SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I cannot stress that enough. You will realize very quickly how much they truly mean to you while you're here, so make sure to spend as much time as possible. You will see that a lot of cadets have parents that live on campus, live an hour away, or are here every other weekend. For me, I was a little envious of these kids because my family is over 1000 miles away. However, any chance that you get, make sure to remind them that you're ok and that you love them.

All in all, any preparation is essential. I love it here and feel like this is where I was meant to go. Some things suck, but you learn to embrace it and realize that it won't last forever. My plebe year has already taught me many life lessons and I can't wait to learn even more. Find the good in the bad and keep pushing forward!
 
Following up on my DS medical status has now changed on the portal. Both exams are scheduled for next week. Is that mean the admission committee has determined him as competitive?
That's awesome to hear!!

He is now in the boat to be triple qualified. Once West Point sees that you are academically, medically, and physically qualified + a nomination, your chances have or receiving an admission have increased. However, do not take this as you have done all you can. Continue to strive for excellence. After he gets his medical process finished, it may take a while to hear back from DoDMERB. It is all a waiting game now.

I wish you luck, and I hope to see your DS here next year!
 
I've got a question for you! When you are running the 3 miles in BEAST, do you have a pack on and if so, how much does it weigh?
(and I'm assuming it's the same for males and females, please let me know if that assumption is incorrect)
 
I've got a question for you! When you are running the 3 miles in BEAST, do you have a pack on and if so, how much does it weigh?
(and I'm assuming it's the same for males and females, please let me know if that assumption is incorrect)
Yes and no,

No, we didn't do any weighted runs for morning PT. The most weighted "running" we would do was our buddy team live fire practices where we would practice 5 second rushes with about 15lbs of equipment on. It was very minimal running. It was more like, stand up, sprint, then get in the prone so you could fire at the enemy. (Trying to simulate a combat scenario).

Yes, males and females are expected to carry the same loads. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems you are referring more to rucking. When we ruck, we all follow the packing list (which varies anywhere from 25lbs - 35lbs). You all ruck at the same pace. You will ruck a lot slower during BEAST than the Army standard (15min miles), just so people can get used to the hills and walking with that much added weight.

Hope this helps!
 
We moved everywhere during BEAST with our camelbacks on (which cadre would constantly check to ensure that it is full), probably around 10 lbs. of water, that's really it though.
 
Hey, y'all! I remember around this time last year quite a few candidates have finished everything in their application and are awaiting to figure out if they were 3 Q'd. (If you haven't finished the application just yet, don't fret! you still have time, but make sure to get it done in a timely manner).

Right now, I have figured out a good routine that works for me to go about my daily life, so if y'all have any questions about what the academic workload looks like, how some classes are, what BEAST was like, how company athletics are (specifically funky fit), or even spirit band please do not be afraid to ask!

I'll try to answer as many questions as possible in a timely manner!

Good luck and I hope to see y'all next year! :)
Thank you for your time. DS is attending baseball camp on Jan3, 2023. We arrive on Jan 2nd in West Point at 15:00 and checks in at Visitor Center at 0900 on 3rd. No tour appears to be art of amp. What can a prospective candidate see in that time or recommend?
Hey, y'all! I remember around this time last year quite a few candidates have finished everything in their application and are awaiting to figure out if they were 3 Q'd. (If you haven't finished the application just yet, don't fret! you still have time, but make sure to get it done in a timely manner).

Right now, I have figured out a good routine that works for me to go about my daily life, so if y'all have any questions about what the academic workload looks like, how some classes are, what BEAST was like, how company athletics are (specifically funky fit), or even spirit band please do not be afraid to ask!

I'll try to answer as many questions as possible in a timely manner!

Good luck and I hope to see y'all next year! :)
 
Thank you for your time. DS is attending baseball camp on Jan3, 2023. We arrive on Jan 2nd in West Point at 15:00 and checks in at Visitor Center at 0900 on the 3rd and have to leave right after camp. No tour appears to be part of the camp. What can a prospective candidate see in that time or recommend? Looks like we arrive too late for the two guided bus tours available on the 2nd.
 
Thank you for your time. DS is attending baseball camp on Jan3, 2023. We arrive on Jan 2nd in West Point at 15:00 and checks in at Visitor Center at 0900 on the 3rd and have to leave right after camp. No tour appears to be part of the camp. What can a prospective candidate see in that time or recommend? Looks like we arrive too late for the two guided bus tours available on the 2nd.
My apologies for the late response. I am not too familiar with the camps, but my best guess would be that your DS will be able to ask whatever questions he wants to actual cadets during the camp. It will give him the opportunity to hear for himself exactly what cadet life is for him.

As for the parents, I believe you are allowed to see West Point, but not the cadet area. That is usually only reserved for tours.
 
Not to answer for 20kbrown04 but i will give you what my son has said:

1st is Time Management! The academy constantly gives cadets more than can be done in a day. It makes you juggle and prioritize - “I can workout every day but I may have to settle for a lower grade in _____ class or do I play a sport but that may mean little time to socialize. Develop good study habits and time management skills!

2nd is Get Physically Fit! My son was a runner (5+ miles a day), a competitive swimmer, and played lacrosse. You will have time to improve fitness during BEAST but it sure makes life easier if you are in very good shape on arrival. Many cadets relax after the CFA and stop there - Don’t! Keep improving your fitness. My son just tried out for the Parachute Team. One part of the long tryout process was a 14 hour “smoke” session with timed 15+ mile ruck, after a full day of obstacle courses and PT.

3rd - Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy your senior year! If you do go to USMA you will look back and fondly remember those weekend mornings where you could sleep in, or go to the movies with friends, and think “what do I want to do today?” Get your application done and try to relax and wait. It is hard, and always have a “Plan B” but don’t sacrifice your senior year.

All that said, my son loves being at West Point and despite the Plebe tasks, lack of sleep, and constant places to be. He has developed friendships stronger than any bonds formed before and the opportunities are amazing. Enjoy the journey! Good luck with your application and desire to serve.
I am curious about the parachute team... what is the tryout process like, and what all does it entail? I'm co/27 and plan on trying out. Also any tips would be greatly appreciated... Thanks!
 
I am curious about the parachute team... what is the tryout process like, and what all does it entail? I'm co/27 and plan on trying out. Also any tips would be greatly appreciated... Thanks!
I can give you a little information since my son just went through the process. Tryouts last most of the first semester - start with a meeting and then move through submitting a “packet”, a short fun presentation you prepare, then a 14 hour “smoke“ (physical endurance ‘ special forces selection type) day, then those remaining have a cut - then interview, final 12 will do wind tunnel (inside skydive type) and final 10 plebes will be selected to join the team. This year over a hundred started at the first “interest” meeting and about sixty entered the “smoke” day session, about 30 finished the physical portion… Lots of people tryout and you can only join in your plebe year… Hard, very selective, - if you make it plan for lots of missed holiday time at competitions or training. The team just spent Christmas in Arizona at Nationals. Some family will just go to the Christmas training site to be with their cadets on the team. Good luck - lots of clubs and teams at USMA and you can tryout from multiples!
 
Hey, y'all! I remember around this time last year quite a few candidates have finished everything in their application and are awaiting to figure out if they were 3 Q'd. (If you haven't finished the application just yet, don't fret! you still have time, but make sure to get it done in a timely manner).

Right now, I have figured out a good routine that works for me to go about my daily life, so if y'all have any questions about what the academic workload looks like, how some classes are, what BEAST was like, how company athletics are (specifically funky fit), or even spirit band please do not be afraid to ask!

I'll try to answer as many questions as possible in a timely manner!

Good luck and I hope to see y'all next year! :)
@20kbrown04.. What boots are you allowed to wear during beast.. Any recommendations? Thanks
 
@20kbrown04.. What boots are you allowed to wear during beast.. Any recommendations? Thanks
My personal favorites were the Oakleys. They are light weight and feel almost like sneakers. I also like the Under Armor combat boots. They are fairly light weight and are very comfortable.

A lot of people are fans of the Garmonts, but I didn't really like the way they felt. (That's just my personal opinion).

Make sure to find a boot that fits your personal interests. They all fit differently, but these are the top three that seem to be pretty unanimous as cadet favorites.

I strongly suggest to not use the issue boots. 😂
 
Back
Top