Westpoint preparation

I was wondering if anyone could give me tips on what i should bring to or memorize for r-day at westpoint. I know about the soldiers creed you have to memorize and recite in order to get through r-day, but besides that, is there anything else i should know?

 

Whatever it is that you’ll need to memorize in advance, USMA will let you know with ample time to prepare yourself. What may have been true in the past may not be valid this R-Day. In addition, believe it or not, you don’t want to be over-prepared for R-Day and Plebe Summer. All that really does is put the spotlight on you — maybe even designate you as that guy — and that just means you’ll get more attention from the detailers. (And being perceived as showing up your classmates, whether intentional or not, is poor form.)

Enjoy your senior year, your family, your friends. Other than making sure you’re physically prepared — run, run and run some more — you can take care of the memorization in due time.

 

DS is a Plebe at USMA. We had the discussion over break about best way to prepare. Run, run, run -- then when you are done, run a bit more. Ruck -- put a pack on with 35 lbs and ruck some hills. DS did crossfit. Says he should have done straight out weight lifting to build strength. All that said, he did above average on APFT, survived Beast ("best worst time, I've every had."), and "couldn't imagine being anywhere else." Don't worry about memorizing before Beast. When you get to R Day and through Beast best advice was to "Participate! Don't Anticipate." Good luck. Get after it.

 

Understood, thanks.

 

Good thing i do cross country and track. Also been going to the gym everyday for the past 2 monthes. Thanks for the tips and insight. Noted. Much appreciation.

 

Understood, thank you!

 

EDIT: What about packing? Should i pack a pair of broken-in boots, personal care items, etc.?

 

Hold off on boots until the "Boot memo" is posted in your portal. There are specific boots that you will be allowed to have. You should purchase a pair from that memo and break them in. DD reported that her boots felt great from day one, and wore them when hiking etc before leaving for Beast, and had no trouble. Regarding packing, USMA will also post a packing list that is very detailed..........What you HAVE to bring, what are optional items that you are ALLOWED to bring, and what you CANNOT bring. As I recall, it was pretty detailed. Also, if Bates low quarters are still the every day shoe at West Point, spend the extra bucks on the Durashock models, it is worth it, according to DD. Good luck!

 

Once you get the boot memo, get a pair that fits well (not all fit the same) and break them in. Nothing worse than blisters the first week of Beast.

You will struggle in some areas regardless of how well you prepare. I fall into the camp of preparing as best as you can prior to reporting rather than going in cold. It allows more time to deal with the areas you struggle with. New cadets from the prep school struggle less in Beast than many fresh out of high school because they have had a year or more to prepare.

There are many sources on the web about how to prepare and info that has to be memorized - Cadet/Army ranks and insignia, history, etc. Don't overdo it. Enjoy the time you have before R Day, but a little preparation goes a long way.

 

Did you already get an appointment to West Point?

 

Not even close, i am just starting my App this month.

 

I know, just thinking ahead. Im currently getting my grades up.

 

Clearly you are very excited about the prospect of joining West Point and I am excited for you. Don't let up on that mission as your end goal. Right now is time to hunker down academically, physically and mentally because it is a long haul and you can't get these days back once they are gone. Listen to the advice of these seasoned parents and admins and take ACTION to get yourself ready to submit the best file you possibly can. If you don't have a basketball, get one and practice your CFA, be like Forrest Gump and run everywhere, find opportunities in your community and school to be a leader, apply to attend Boys State this summer (super important for WCS points) and finally...work extra hard on improving GPA if needed. Good Luck!

 

To answer the initial question, there are some basics about drill and ceremony that are always good to know! You can look up basic movements (about face, marching drills, etc) on YouTube. Also, Soldier's Creed and General Orders are vital, and the Army song is also important. However, as aforementioned, it would be in your best interest to focus on what you can do to make your application shiny and competitive now, then worry about the R-day shenanigans when you've secured your slot with the Academy. Best of luck!

 

This website might also help too. As aforementioned, focus on your current classes before worrying about this.
http://www.west-point.org/academy/malo-wa/inspirations/buglenotes.html

 

Open comment to all hopefuls... don't memorize anything prior to r day if you are fortunate enough to secure admissions.

There is a method to the madness and a reason.

Part of the memorization exercises one will be required to undergo during r day and beyond is to help prepare your mind for acting under stress and pressure.

Not knowing general knowledge will not be near as detrimental as knowing answers to questions day one... you will stick out like a sore thumb and will most likely gain the immediate attention of the firstie nearest you. Don't be that plebe!

There will be ample time to learn what you need to learn. Please don't start memorizing anything from bugle notes...

Instead focus on what you can control and enjoy your time with family and friends.

Just my two cents.

 

Thank you so much. Will do. My GPA is definately not where i know it should be but I'm working on it. As far as athletics and fitness go, I've been going hard at the gym for almost 3 monthes now. Leadership improvement is another value I need to work on. Im not sure i know what you mean by boys state though.

 

Thank you.