Yesterday was Reception Day at the U.S. Military Academy for new cadet candidates - the class of 2009. 1251 men and women will spend the next 6 weeks in Cadet Basic Training, otherwise known as Beast Barracks. They include 250 minorities, 189 women and 21 foreign cadets from 17 countries. This year, Brunei, Afghanistan and Chad have cadets at West Point for the first time.
The Academy is attracting high quality candidates: 188 of this year's crop were HS student body or class presidents, 102 valedictorians, 37 salutatorians. 455 particiapted in scouting, 154 of whom were Eagle scouts (men) or Gold Award recipients (women). Here they are a day after arriving:
Usual attrition rate between Reception day and Acceptance day, when those who choose (& are allowed) to stay as cadets take the cadet oath, is 5-10%.
(Photos from USMA website.)
How many days ago did you see men and woment depart to make way for these boys and girls? It must be especially rewarding to see one's work so clearly manifest itself.
Just a few weeks ago, Richard. It's amazing to watch them mature during their 47 months from R-day to graduation.
Noticing the three current soldiers in the first picture made me wonder: How many enlisted men/women make the jump to the officer corps through attendance at West Point vice Officer Candidate School?
Middle Guy's best friend is in that group. I've known him for his four years of high school, and he's a wonderful young man who I'm sure will become a wonderfum man in the next four years.
A.L.
There are 30 combat vets in this incoming class who served either in Iraq, in Afghanistan or both theaters. Not sure about the OCS stats, Nick. Prior enlisted can come directly to USMA or spend a year at the Prep school to ramp up academically before coming up to the Point.
These soldiers bring maturity and field experience into their companies and the classroom ... they're a real asset to the cadet corps.
My son is a part of the class of 2009 at the USMA. My wife and I were there to witness what is called Reception Day for new cadets. From what we saw and heard, this class will produce many outstanding Army officers and future leaders of our country on down the road. We are proud that our son has the opportunity to be among those future officers and leaders.