West Point Parents Club of North Carolina
Supporting the protectors of our freedom
Welcome North Carolina Parents!
Join us as we support the four-year wonderful journey of our sons’ and daughters’ commitment to West Point and the Nation.
The West Point Parents Club of North Carolina is divided into seven platoons (zones), this allows for local meetings that are “closer to home.” The platoons are determined by the county you live in. If a different platoon is more convenient for you, then let us know, and we’ll send your information to the platoon leaders for the platoon you would prefer to join. We invite you to join our club and encourage all of you to do so. It is important that West Point knows that we are working at the local level to support the academy and our cadets.
Please keep all of our graduates and soldiers in your thoughts and prayers.
Our Mission
For Country We Commit, Class of 2026
Branch Night for the Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 has crossed a defining milestone on the path to commissioning, and it was a moment filled with anticipation, pride, and purpose. On December 3, 2025, Firsties gathered for Branch Night, the long-awaited evening when cadets learned which of the 15 branches of the United States Army they would join upon graduation and commissioning in May 2026. After years of academic rigor, military training, and leadership development, this milestone marked the moment their future roles as Army officers came into clear focus.
As the Class of 2026 looks ahead to graduation and commissioning this spring, Branch Night stands as a powerful reminder of how far they have come—and the responsibility they are ready to assume. These future officers are prepared to lead with character, competence, and courage as they take their place in the Long Gray Line and begin their service to the nation.
Class of 2026 Branch Breakdown
- Infantry: 223
- Field Artillery: 196
- Engineer: 108
- Armor: 88
- Aviation: 88
- Logistics: 64
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD – subset of Logistics): 15
- Air Defense Artillery: 59
- Cyber: 34
- Signal Corps: 33
- Military Intelligence: 20
- Medical Service Corps: 20
- Chemical Corps: 17
- Adjutant General: 14
- Military Police: 12
- Finance Corps: 2
100th Night for the Class of 2026
Another meaningful milestone for the Class of 2026 is 100th Night, a time-honored West Point tradition that marks the official start of the final countdown to graduation. With just 100 days remaining, Firsties pause to reflect on how far they’ve come and look ahead to commissioning and graduation with equal parts pride and excitement. For one memorable evening, cadets step out of their uniforms and dress in their best to celebrate the journey, the friendships forged, and the leadership lessons earned along the way. 100th Night is both a celebration and a turning point—signaling that the long-anticipated finish line is finally in sight and the transition from cadet to Army officer is fast approaching.
Classes
Plebe
Definition: A member of the lowest class of Roman society. Alternate: A trainee or freshman at the United States Military Academy. Plebes learn a vital military quality – how to follow their leaders. They are also learning organizational skills as a by-product of their 4th class duties and heavy academic loads.
Yuk
Definition: A sophomore and Cadet Corporal. Happy they aren’t Plebes. Unhappy they don’t rank much higher than Plebes. Alternately known as Yearlings by Old Grads. Yuks are responsible for coaching the Plebes in their company and helping them learn the ropes of being a cadet.
Cow
Definition: A junior and now a true upperclassman. Cows hold the rank of Cadet Sergeant. They “affirm” their intention to remain at and graduate from USMA with a formal “Affirmation” in late August. In addition to focusing on their academic major, they are the backbone of the Corps supporting their Firstie leadership.
Firstie
Definition: A senior. Firsties hold the ranks of Cadet Lieutenant and Captain and lead the Corps of Cadets in the top leadership positions. Firsties are generally focused on passing all of their courses and graduating to be 2LTs in the “Big Army.” During Firstie year they will select their future Army branch and first post.
2025 - 2026 USMA Calendar
We Are Being Recognized
