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

The West Point Parents Club of North Carolina is dedicated to serving and assisting its members by offering comprehensive information, valuable resources, and personalized support. Acknowledging that the journey through the United States Military Academy (USMA) and beyond is a unique experience for both parents and their cadets, the club strives to cater to their individual needs and challenges.

Welcome to Beast, Class of 2030

Let the 47-Month Journey Begin!

On behalf of the West Point Parents Club of North Carolina, it is our great honor to welcome the families and New Cadets of the Class of 2030. This is an extraordinary milestone—not just for your sons and daughters, but for your entire family. You are beginning a journey unlike any other, and we are so excited to walk alongside you every step of the way.

The incoming Class of 2030 is made up of approximately 1,200 outstanding young men and women from across the nation. They represent the very best of their generation—leaders, scholars, athletes, and individuals committed to something greater than themselves. We are especially proud to share that 32 of those New Cadets call North Carolina home. Each one has earned their place through hard work, determination, and a deep desire to serve our country.

While West Point is often described as a college experience, it is truly something much more unique. Over the next 47 months, your cadets will be challenged academically, physically, and mentally in ways that will shape them into leaders of character for our nation. Along the way, there will be moments of pride, moments of uncertainty, and moments when support and connection matter most.

That is where the West Point Parents Club of North Carolina comes in. We are here for you—to provide information, encouragement, and a community that understands exactly what you are experiencing. We encourage you to lean on us, ask questions, and get involved. Whether it is attending events, connecting with other parents, or simply reaching out when you need guidance, you are never alone in this journey.

Welcome to the Long Gray Line family. We look forward to supporting you and celebrating alongside you as your cadets grow, lead, and ultimately join the ranks of the United States Army as members of the Class of 2030.

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.