Separation Statistics

[Bquiz44]

Does anyone know the statistics on the reasons why people leave West Point (voluntarily or otherwise) and how many people separate?

 

[Capt MJ]

Does anyone know the statistics on the reasons why people leave West Point (voluntarily or otherwise) and how many people separate?

Somebody knows, of course, the people responsible for data, analysis, studies and assessments at USMA.

You can get a rough idea of how many people separate by looking at incoming class size and graduating class size 4 years later - less international cadets. Look for the incoming Class profile, say, for USMA ‘23, then look for the press release or other announcement for their graduation.

I am sure detailed statistics, trends, reasons and correlations are kept regarding voluntary and involuntary separations. I suspect only general stats might be released. You would probably have to dig deep for studies that are publicly accessible. That’s just a guess on my part, but Google would be your friend there.

 

[Walman888]

20 percent, give or take. Injury, academics, stress. Finally Cadets becoming aware that this may not realistically be their calling and opting out.

 

[justdoit19]

The one to really be tuned into, imo, are ones that leave bc ‘my parents made me apply’. I know of 3 of those, intimately.

It’s really unfortunate. Don't push your kids to accept. I understand URGING them to consider applying, visiting, etc. but when the time comes to accept, let that be their own choice. And wholly support them if they don’t want to attend. Give them permission to say no.

As a BGO, I always include in our meeting to just say the word and I can mark it so they don’t receive an appointment, and no one even needs to know.

 

[jebdad]

20 percent, give or take. Injury, academics, stress. Finally Cadets becoming aware that this may not realistically be their calling and opting out.

The one to really be tuned into, imo, are ones that leave bc ‘my parents made me apply’. I know of 3 of those, intimately.

While these are all certainly part of the total number that leave, I think there are a fair number of those who are separated are for disciplinary issues - be that honor code violations or otherwise. (which could be indirectly associated with the reasons you point out).

 

[Watchful]

I’ve known 3 kids that separated from class of 2023. 1 was academics, the 2nd was a recruited female athlete that discovered she didn’t actually want to be in the military, and the 3rd was medically separated against their wishes. So many different reasons for not competing the academy. If you do look at the starting numbers on R-day and compare with grad day, you may also have to account for turnbacks. While in theory, those should even out with the tb’s added from the previous year, 2023 class had a larger than usual number.

I believe ideally more than 1000 per class to graduate.

 

[Walman888]

While these are all certainly part of the total number that leave, I think there are a fair number of those who are separated are for disciplinary issues - be that honor code violations or otherwise. (which could be indirectly associated with the reasons you point out).

Small portion of the 20 per cent attrition is due to honor. While it certainly happens, and it's not rare, it would make up relatively few of the 250 or so that separate.

 

[prospective2019]

The only semi-accurate picture I can give you is the Class of 2023 having been a part of it--we started R-Day with 1,207 and graduated 940ish in May '23. There were a good 20 (estimated) cadets that graduated, but did not commission due to medical reasons. My class had particularly high attrition due to a combination of factors. COVID-19 was a very tough time at West Point and it hit my class like a truck, between UQRs, cheating scandals, mental health issues, etc.

 

[IggyMom23]

The one to really be tuned into, imo, are ones that leave bc ‘my parents made me apply’. I know of 3 of those, intimately.

It’s really unfortunate. Don't push your kids to accept. I understand URGING them to consider applying, visiting, etc. but when the time comes to accept, let that be their own choice. And wholly support them if they don’t want to attend. Give them permission to say no.

As a BGO, I always include in our meeting to just say the word and I can mark it so they don’t receive an appointment, and no one even needs to know.

I always wonder, on this forum and otherwise, of the parents who are baffled by their child’s rejection, and it’s a situation where they told their BGO/FFR etc. this in their interview. I know my son was asked in both of his interviews. I wonder how often it really happens that they do take the out, and if they ever end up telling their parents?

 

[Capt MJ]

I always wonder, on this forum and otherwise, of the parents who are baffled by their child’s rejection, and it’s a situation where they told their BGO/FFR etc. this in their interview. I know my son was asked in both of his interviews. I wonder how often it really happens that they do take the out, and if they ever end up telling their parents?

It does indeed happen, per several BGOs I know, including one who is part of our USNA sponsor mid alumni family. I would suspect they never tell their parents or not until years later, when they are well established on another path. Some parents who transmit one-way on this topic can have trouble hearing return communications. Assumptions and expectations - the root of many misunderstandings.