Class Page
Plebe
The Fourth Class year at the United States Military Academy is commonly referred to as the “Plebe” year. This term evokes the Roman term where a Plebe was the lowest level of society. At West Point, being a Plebe symbolizes the beginning of a cadet’s journey, emphasizing the development of strong character to earn merit and leadership roles. During this year, cadets focus on learning follower skills, preparing them for future leadership responsibilities. Plebe year is a pivotal rite of passage, advancing through stages of personal and professional growth. By embracing the challenges of being a Plebe, cadets undergo transformative experiences that mature them, test their skills and patience, and expand their capabilities beyond their expectations.
Reception Day (aka R-Day)
A day that will forever be ingrained in their memory, R-Day is the first day of the West Point experience. Commonly on or around July 1, it is also the first day of Cadet Basic Training. During CBT, “New Cadets” (they have not earned the rank of Plebe yet) will learn all the basic Cadet and soldiering skills. CBT lasts until the first week in August, and concludes with the traditional march-back, where the New Cadets ruck march from field training back to the Cadet Barracks with much fanfare.
You can get a peak into what the new cadets do during CBT by watching this great video.
Acceptance Day (aka A-Day)
A-Day is the day the Corps of Cadets officially accepts the New Cadets into the Corps and they become Plebes. A-Day is highlighted with a full Corps parade on the Plain and is one of the favorites of parents. Following the parade, the new Plebes are allowed walking privileges and can spend the weekend (not overnight) with friends and family.
The Army Navy Game
The Plebes get to experience the Army Navy game for the first time as a Cadet. Few weeks of the West Point year can rival Army Navy week, culminating with the entire Corps traveling to the stadium to march on the field and cheer Army to victory!
Parents that have not been to an Army Navy game will never forget it.
Check back here for information about tickets, hotels, and travel recommendations.
Selection of Major
Plebes carry a very high academic load of core courses. During 2nd semester, Plebes can select their major and begin the process of steering their academic paths for the remainder of their time at West Point.
Plebe Parent Weekend
A highlight of Plebe year is the weekend prior to Spring Break, when upperclassmen depart the installation and Plebes assume leadership roles. It gives the Plebes a taste of life after Plebe year. Parents are invited to West Point for a formal banquet, to spend time with their Plebe and learn about their Cadet life. At the end of the weekend, Plebes may depart on Spring Break.
Recognition
The culmination of Plebe year is formal recognition by the three upper classes of cadets following the Graduation Parade on the Friday before Graduation in May. Plebes shake the hands of their upperclass company-mates, get permission to now call them by their first names, and their Plebe year is over!
