Return to Pointer View home page July 1,  2005

A warm reception

New cadets face heat, humidity and cadre members at West Point's R-Day 

Story and photos by Spc. Benjamin Gruver
Staff Writer

Heat, humidity and more than 250 upperclass cadets greeted 1,251 of the nation’s best and brightest Monday as they lined up outside Eisenhower Hall here for Reception Day 2005.

Clockwise from top left: A new cadet hugs his mother before departing Eisenhower Hall Monday to begin Reception Day here.  Arrive with hair, leave the barbershop bare.  New cadets line up outside Thayer Hall.

R-Day at West Point is designed to quickly introduce new cadets to the rigors of life here and prepare them for their next test: cadet basic training or “Beast.” 

The Class of 2009 members began the day by saying good-bye to family and friends. Then they became the responsibility of the cadet cadre members who herded them through everything from administrative processing and medical and physical evaluations to the barbershop and their first military clothing issue. Throughout it all, one new cadet said, is the sense of pride that you made it to West Point.

A cadre member offers some encouraging words.

“I’m a little nervous, but very excited,” the new cadet added.

A native of Burr Ridge, Ill., the new cadet explained that ever since he first learned about West Point he wanted to come here. He said he did everything from visit the academy and talk to cadets, to researching West Point on the Internet, all to prepare himself for R-Day.

“I just tell myself that it is not going to be as bad as everyone tells me and that I can make it through,” said the high school swim team captain who plans to be part of the swim team here.

His father said he never imagined his son would come to West Point.

“When we looked into it, this was the best choice,” the new cadet’s father said. “I don’t think he could be in better hands. I much prefer this to any other college.”

A cadre member eyes a new cadet.

Another new cadet said she is happy the day has finally arrived.

“I am as prepared as I can be,” said one new cadet as she waited to enter Eisenhower Hall. “Right now I am happy the anticipation is finally over, that June 27 is here and what comes now I’ll deal with it when it comes.”  

This new cadet explained that she had heard a lot about West Point from her sister, who will be a senior this year.

New cadets rehydrate during R-Day.  Heat and humidity are common during the annual event  that turns civilians into West Point cadets.

“I am not quite sure what to expect even though I heard the stories,” the Pittsburgh native said. “Even though she told me, I’m not sure what is going to go through my head and I kind of get butterflies in my stomach.  

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens, but whatever, I’m still excited to be here.”

A cadre member teaches new cadets to march.

A high school lacrosse player, the new cadet said she would like to join the team here. But, she added, before she can even think about that, she knows she must first get through R-Day.

That sentiment resurfaced throughout the day as the new cadets’ faced several challenging periods before gathering at Trophy Point for the Oath Ceremony. Those periods included discipline, military courtesy and drill and ceremony training by cadet cadre members.

New cadets salute during the oath ceremony. Photo courtesy of John Pellino, DOIM

However, according to many senior cadets, cadre members know the stress helps prepare the new cadets for what will follow.

“Many new cadets don’t understand the military very well,” explained Golf Company platoon leader Cadet 1st Class Peter White. “We have to help them to understand there are certain ways of doing things here and that they are going to have to conform with them.

“Also, throwing so many details at them and putting them in a stressful environment teaches them how to perform under stress, which is an important quality if you are going to be an officer,” he said. “In combat, you will have to make snap decisions even while bullets are flying and people are dying.”