Class Page
Cows
Cow year begins with a summer leadership detail at Cadet Basic and/or Field Training, a military school such as Air Assault, or an Individual Advanced Development program. The academic year then kicks off with the formal Affirmation Ceremony where you will commit to graduating from West Point, and serving in the Army. Cow year is when a Cadet’s time at West Point seems to accelerate. Cows select their class rings, often get a “Cow Loan” and buy their first car, and many depart West Point for semesters at the Naval and Air Force Academies, or other developmental opportunities.
Affirmation Ceremony
On the night before the first day of classes, the entire Cow class reports to Robinson Auditorium in Thayer Hall to take the Affirmation Oath. This ceremony affirms the Cadets’ commitment to complete the next two years of study and subsequent Active Duty service requirements as a U.S. Army Officer.
Ring Melt and Selection
The Ring Melt occurs before 500th Night, where donated alumni USMA Class Rings are melted into gold to be included in the gold of future Cadet class rings. This is a wonderful tradition that binds the legacies of past graduates with the hopes and dreams of future graduates.
500th Night
“500” symbolizes the days left until graduation and commissioning as Army officers. The class marks 500th Night with a formal banquet at Washington Hall, otherwise known as the Mess Hall, followed by a hop at Eisenhower Hall. This is a cadet/date only event.
Cow Loan
Cadets can apply for career starter loans from a handful of financial institutions, offering low-interest rates to build a strong financial foundation. Some use it for purchasing a car, buying their class ring or their Class A uniforms for commissioning. It’s also helpful to have funds as they travel to their first assignment, put deposits on apartments and utilities, and buy furniture. Some invest a little of it to get their retirement account started.