Class Page
"Yuks"
The Yuk (sophomore) year kicks off with a three-week summer program called Cadet Field Training (CFT) at Camp Buckner in June/July. This experience introduces cadets to the challenges and teamwork of military life and also introduces them to the full range of branches in the Army. After completing CFT and other summer tasks, cadets are promoted to Cadet Corporal where they will then assume leadership roles within the Corps of Cadets. Academics get much more difficult in Yuk year as the pace accelerates. Simultaneously, Yuks assume the roles of Team Leaders over 1-2 Plebes, and begin using their leadership skills to teach and coach them.
Cadet Field Training
“CFT” is a pivotal experience for Yuks at West Point. After learning cadet basics in CBT and Plebe year, the focus shifts to soldier training. CFT emphasizes field skills, with extensive training at Camp Buckner. They learn new skills like land navigation and rifle marksmanship while introducing new ones like squad and platoon maneuvers.
Yearling Winter Weekend
Otherwise known as YWW or “Y-Dubs” the Yuk year’s highlight is the Winter Weekend Banquet at West Point, featuring a formal banquet and prominent guest speaker, followed by a formal dance. Yuks can invite a date/guest, and get to celebrate turning the corner of their 2nd year. YWW also breaks up the gloom period, that time at West Point when it is cold outside, academic distress is in peak season, and the end of the school year seems so far away.
