Under a hazy, humid, steel-gray sky, 1,139 new U.S. Military Academy cadets faced Battle Monument and took the Oath of Allegiance from USMA commandant, Brig. Gen. John P. Abizaid. That oath marks the official start of the four-year West Point experience for the Class of 2003.

Before the oath ceremony, the young men and women spent Reception Day transforming from civilians to new cadets. That transformation included administrative processing, military clothing issues, haircuts, medical and physical evaluations and lessons in marching, military courtesy and discipline. The majority of new cadets took it all in stride.

"I’m excited to be here," one new cadet said. "I hope to do well at the academy and I look forward to the challenge at hand."

And, according to academy officials, there will be plenty of challenges.

Following R-Day, new cadets will begin what some say is the toughest military training offered at West Point. Cadet Basic Training, known as "Beast Barracks" by all those who went through it before, is designed to help new cadets make the transition to soldier.

During CBT new cadets participate in rigorous physical training, long foot marches, rappelling and tactical maneuvers. They qualify in rifle marksmanship and learn to respond quickly to orders under conditions of mental and physical stress. All that training helps prepare them for the challenge of being an Army officer in this day and age, said Col. Michael L. Jones, West Point’s director of Admissions.

"The Class of 2003 faces unique challenges as future Army officers," Jones said. "They must provide caring leadership for their soldiers while accepting challenging responsibilities both as peacekeepers and defenders of democracy around the world."

Jones and the admissions staff try to prepare new cadets and their families for the challenges they will face on R-Day and during CBT with the annual information guide for new cadets and parents. The guide talks about West Point’s mission and how some new cadets come to the academy unprepared for the rigors of "Beast."

But most members of the Class of 2003 said they did everything they could to prepare for R-Day and CBT.

"It’s about what I expected and prepared for," explained one new cadet. "I’m taking it one day at a time. I figure if I can make it through today, and then the next six weeks, I’ve accomplished quite a bit."

"It was a little overwhelming at first," a new cadet said. "But I know my parents will be proud at the end of the day when they see their daughter take the oath and even prouder during march-back. I plan to be there for both events."

Those who make it through CBT will participate in a 12-mile march-back from Lake Frederick Aug. 11 and be formally accepted into the Corps of Cadets. The Acceptance Parade for the Class of 2003 is scheduled for 10 a.m., Aug. 14.