Good Luck to Incoming Class of 2026

[USMAZoo98]

As a grad and a class of 2025 parent, I just want to wish the parents and new cadets luck as R-Day looms tomorrow.

To the parents - know that your sons and daughters are incredible young men and women based on this choice that they have made.

To the new cadets - don't let the struggles get to you. You wouldn't be at West Point if you didn't belong there. Be a great teammate. Carry a little more when one of your battle buddies are struggling because you might need that help one day yourself. Time will fly faster than you realize. Enjoy the misery of the experience. None of your peers will truly understand the choice you have made. Don't take this opportunity for granted.

And most importantly...BEAT NAVY!

 

[DrMom]

Remember for all of the unpleasantness and flat out (NORMAL) fear about the next 5-6 weeks--YOU'VE GOT THIS! They picked you. You have all of the skills to be successful. The desire from everyone around you is for you to succeed--not because people are kind and West Point is such a loving and caring place--but USMA is on the docket to deliver approximately 1000 new 2LTs by 1 June 2026. You are one of them.
When it totally stinks and you are regretting your life's choices--and these moments will come--just walk on into the next moment and next event...the next bathroom break, the next meal...the next sleep. The first three weeks are in garrison (lots of school and issuing of items and marching around and standing around with a book in your face!) and the last 2.5 weeks or so are more field related (and fun)...be sure to hang in there for the fun stuff. In between there is ice cream and a nap! You will get your phone and have a computer and the internet very soon.

Remember it is normal to think, 'This is not what I wanted'--but in truth--it is getting you to what you wanted--the academic year when everyone is busy and there is so much more fun--like football season.

This will be you soon:

Don't skip the hard stuff that gets you to the awesome stuff. The days will drag but the weeks will fly by.
Best wishes New Cadets!
GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!