Welcome to the Long Gray Line
Dear Future West Point Cadet,
Congratulations on your acceptance to West Point! As parents of the West Point Parents Club of North Carolina, including graduates of West Point, we wanted to take a moment to welcome you to the Long Gray Line, and share some insights we have learned from our own experience and that of our sons, daughters and friends and offer some encouragement as you embark on this incredible journey.
First and foremost, you are already aware that the path ahead will be challenging, both mentally and physically. But remember, you were carefully selected for this journey, and you are fully capable of enduring the many challenges and ultimately graduating from the United States Military Academy. West Point will test you. For over 200 years, the Academy has learned to push Cadets in every way. Keep in mind that the Academy will push you to your breaking point in order to expose your weaknesses. But their goal is to then help you to strengthen them. Like a broken bone that heals back stronger than before the break, look at every obstacle you face as an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient. The rigorous training, demanding academics, and strict discipline may seem daunting and stressful in the extreme at times, but they are all designed to mold you into a leader capable of facing any future challenge, including leading soldiers in armed combat in a far off land with strength, intelligence, confidence and determination. West Point has never failed in producing the best leaders for our Army and nation, and that now includes you. You will succeed, rest assured.
One of the most valuable lessons you will learn at West Point is the importance of teamwork. You will be surrounded by a diverse group of individuals from all walks of life, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Embrace this diversity and learn from your peers, for it is through collaboration and mutual support that you will achieve success. Always remember that you are part of something bigger than yourself—a proud tradition of service and sacrifice that stretches back over two centuries. At one point, famous individuals like Eisenhower, Grant, MacArthur, Patton, Schwarzkopf, and so many others were just like you… Cadet Candidates preparing to enter West Point with excitement, fear, trepidation, and just hoping they will make it to graduation. So you’ll be in good company, and maybe make history yourself some day!
Nevertheless there will be moments when you doubt yourself, when the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming. You will look around and it will feel like you’re the only one drowning, while your classmates are rock stars that seem to have it all together. But in those moments, consider that each Cadet is struggling with something. Some do well in academics, but cannot pass the “swim test.” Others excel in athletics, but struggle with calculus. Every Cadet initially struggles with the dreaded IOCT – the Indoor Obstacle Course. Lean on your classmates and mentors for support and help them as much as they help you. A long-standing motto at West Point is “cooperate and graduate.” You are never alone in this journey, and there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement. And because of that, you will make the best friends you have ever had at West Point, and they will be friends of yours for a lifetime.
Above all, never lose sight of why you chose this path. Whether it was a desire to serve your country, a passion for leadership, or a commitment to excellence, hold onto that sense of purpose and let it guide you through the toughest of times. Your time at West Point will be a transformative experience, shaping not only your future career as an Army Officer, but also the person you become.
As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter in your life, know that you are capable of achieving greatness. Look to the Long Gray Line for inspiration. They have done amazing things as a result of their West Point training and experience. They have become Generals, Astronauts, Business Titans, Senators and even Presidents. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up, for the only limits that exist are the ones you place on yourself. You have been chosen to join the ranks of the Long Gray Line, and I have no doubt that you will make your parents, relatives, friends, the citizens of North Carolina, and your nation proud.
So, embrace the challenges that lie ahead, and remember that with dedication and perseverance, you can conquer anything. The road ahead may be difficult, but it is also filled with endless possibilities. Welcome to West Point, future Cadet. We are already proud of you!
With warmest regards,
The West Point Parents Club of North Carolina