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WEST POINT PARENTS’ CLUB

OF

WASHINGTON STATE

p1040728

NEW CADET HANDBOOK

Spring 2010

The Mission of USMA

“To educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets

so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of

character committed to the values of Duty, Honor,

Country; professional growth throughout a career

as an officer in the United States Army; and a

lifetime of selfless service to the nation.”

Disclaimer

This publication is sponsored by donations from the

West Point Parents’ Club of Washington State.

It is intended for the use and information of accepted

candidates to West Point from Washington State.

It is not in any way intended to represent official

USMA doctrine or policy, nor is it intended for any

commercial use or purpose without the permission of

WPPC-WA.

WEST POINT PARENTS’ CLUB

OF WASHINGTON

1012 109^TH St Ct E, Unit 73

Tacoma, WA 98445
June 2010

Dear New Cadet:
Hooah! Congratulations, on having been selected to attend one of the most prestigious academic institutions in our nation. You are about to leave home to participate in the first phase of your training at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Make no mistake, the training will be rigorous, the days long, and the challenges many, BUT as with thousands before you who have also aspired to join the Long Gray Line, you, too, can and will succeed.
This New Cadet Primer has been prepared to help give you a head start. It contains useful information about Cadet Basic Training and the knowledge you must acquire to be successful. Study diligently and keep a positive attitude. It will make a difference. Good luck! Go Army!

Pamela Kirkwood, President
Club President & Parent of Robert Kirkwood, class of 2011

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NEW CADET PRIMER

CADET BASIC TRAINING

SUMMER 2010

“CLASS OF ’14”

Contents:

Section I: R-Day & Cadet Basic Training

(p. 7-10) Conduct, Duties, Limits
Section II: Required Knowledge - General

(p. 11-16)
Section III: Fourth Class Knowledge

(p. 17-32)
Section IV: Bugle Notes- Extract

(p. 33-50)
Section V: Legends & Traditions

(p. 51-59)
Section VI: A-Day & the Year Ahead

(p. 61-65)
Section VII: Glossary of Cadet Slang

(p. 67-71) USMA Map
Back Cover: Survival Tips

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Section I: R-Day

TIP: LISTEN and DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD

If you have been accompanied to West Point with your family, you will drive (or ride) to Eisenhower Hall to receive a short briefing. You will then be given 90 seconds to say your goodbyes to family and friends before you file down to the front and out of the building. Once outside the building, you will be greeted by the cadet cadre, a number of whom will be wearing a red sash. Reporting to the Cadet in the Red Sash is a daunting task. It’s just one of many traditions that you will learn to appreciate.

After reporting to the Cadet in the Red Sash you will be instructed to board the busses and in-processing will begin. You’ll be shuttled from pillar to post, double timing when and wherever possible, dragging equipment, and all the while trying to remember the precise details of every instruction. You’ll practice drill and prepare for the afternoon ceremony. You’ll wish you were home!

This first day may seem endless, but keep remembering that many before you have traveled this road and survived. Listen carefully to each set of instructions, do what you’re asked, and you too will make it through the day. At the end of the day you will participate in your first ceremony at the Academy, a Retreat in front of the flagpole at Trophy Point. Family and other Academy personnel will be lining the area. Some will be yelling to attract your attention. Don’t be distracted.

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TIP: STAY FOCUSED.

THINK POSITIVELY!

CADET BASIC TRAINING

In late June, New Cadets enter USMA to begin the first phase of their 4-year cadet-training program. Cadet Basic Training (CBT), also known as Beast Barracks, can be one of the most intensely challenging periods of a cadet’s life. Yet with adequate preparation and the right attitude, hundreds of new cadets from around the nation and the world successfully complete the training each year.

During CBT, upperclass cadet cadre and regularly assigned tactical officers have the mission of educating and training each new cadet in basic soldier skills. The goal is to prepare you to join the Corps of Cadets at the conclusion of the training period. Additionally, the goal is to inspire each new cadet to internalize the ideals of West Point and the US Army. The subjects presented are many and varied, but interspersed with the intensive drill periods and classes are periods of athletic competitions, marches, and all-night bivouacs. Military training during CBT develops “individual” skills and provides a foundation for training the following summer at Camp Buckner.

Remember, you are NOT alone and thousands before you have successfully met this challenge. Stay focused and maintain a positive attitude. Next year you will have some tall stories to tell the incoming class of New Cadets.

TIP: BRING PRE-POSTED ENVELOPES FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS. WRITE HOME!

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CONDUCT, DUTIES AND RESTRICTIONS

Life during Cadet Basic Training will be very restrictive. You will be asked to quickly learn and strictly abide by a variety of common standards. As members of the Corps of Cadets you will be required to adhere to the highest standards of decorum and performance. Upper class cadets will set the example.

As new cadets you will always be addressed as NEW CADET _______. Likewise you will always refer to others in your class and to yourself as NEW CADET ______. Typically you’ll speak only when addressed by an upperclass cadet or one of the officers or noncommissioned officers. Casual conversations are generally not allowed.

New cadets will maintain a respectful manner with all cadre and your classmates. You’ll be addressing male cadre as “Sir,” female as “Ma’am.” “Yes Sir/Ma’am; No Sir/Ma’am; No excuse Sir/Ma’am; or Sir/Ma’am I do not understand” are acceptable responses when a longer answer is not called for. Remember, Cadet Basic Training is about uniformity. You will be expected to be in the right uniform at the right time. You’ll move from place to place in a military manner, often at double time. Always maintain an erect posture.

New cadets are required to perform a variety of duties. It should be understood that the performance of company duties is the initial stepping stone toward building a strong and enduring concept of duty performance. Pay close attention to the instructions provided and perform the assigned duties to the best of your ability. You’ll have very limited privileges. Pay close attention to what is or is not allowed. Short phone calls will be permitted occasionally.

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THINGS TO BRING

Cigarette lighter

Nail file

Fine sand paper

Nail polish remover

Off bug and tick spray

Extra batteries

Band Aids (different sizes, waterproof)

Gold Bond foot powder

Extra pairs of white socks (all plain/no logos)

Small Swiss army type knife

Shoe pads

Soft cloth to polish shoes

Pen light

Stamped pre-addressed postcards/envelopes

Wristwatch with light and alarm

Disposable cameras

Gel insoles

Nylon bike shorts (wear under BDUs for marches)

Boots

TIP: Everyone has their own trick to shining boots. Try everything. Some tricks work better than others, and everyone has to find what works best for them.

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Section II: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

New Cadets are required to acquire a wide variety of knowledge during Cadet Basic Training and throughout your year as a Plebe. Fourth Class Knowledge is part of new cadet development and contributes in the following ways:

Introduces you to the customs, traditions, and heritage of the Academy and the Army.
Requires daily oral recitation enhancing quick recall, and instills confidence in a professional military manner.
It develops pride in accomplishment in being part of the Academy tradition by establishing a common link between each cadet, graduate and future cadet.

You will have a variety of sources to study knowledge once you arrive at the Academy and report for Cadet Basic Training. Among the many references for your daily knowledge routine will be USCC Circular 351-2 (CIR), Bugle Notes (BN), Company Bulletin Boards (BB) and the New York Times (NEWS).

Knowledge is generally classified as “verbatim” (V) or

“conversant” (C). Each day you’ll be required to recall the menu for meals (V), current events (C), and the Days (V). Each week of Cadet Basic Training you’ll be asked to learn an added amount of knowledge as outlined below.

Set aside some time before you depart to review knowledge requirements. Commit some of the longer passages to memory. Practice! Repeat out loud and in your mind. Eventually you’ll be repeating the answers without difficulty. The task may appear to be monumental, but remember, thousands before you have all been asked to master this task.

They did it and so can you. Be persistent.

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KNOWLEDGE ASSIGNMENTS

Knowledge requirements are assigned to New Cadets throughout CBT. The following list is representative, though subject to change, of what you will be asked to learn and retain.

1^st WEEK:

Insignia of rank for Officers and Warrant Officers of ALL services (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines), and enlisted personnel (Army only). (V) (BN) CIR)

Purpose and Mission of USMA. (V) (BB) (CIR)

1^st Detail Chain of Command. (V) (BB) (CIR)

Army chain of command (President through Commandant.) (V) (BN) (CIR)

Names of Superintendent, Commandant, Dean,

and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

(V) (BN) (CIR)

Name, branch, and unit of assignment of the Officer-in-Charge. (V) (BB)

Insignia of Cadet Rank (Bars and Epaulets only). (V) (BN) (CIR)

Differences between uniforms of officers and enlisted. (C)

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2^nd WEEK:

Schofield’s Definition of Discipline

(V) (BN) (CIR)

Alma Mater. (V) (BN) (CIR)

National Anthem. (V) (BN) (CIR)

Significance of Cadet Colors. (C) (BN) (CIR)

Who and from what class was the “Father” of the Military Academy? (C) (BN) (CIR)

Difference between Company and Field Grade Officers. (V) (BN) (CIR)

What is the history of the Great Chain? (C) (BN) (CIR)

The “Three Rules of Thumb.” (V) (BN) (CIR)

3^rd WEEK:

Recognize on sight (V): awards, decorations, unit commendations, and appurtenances and reason for receiving award. (Rote recitation of ribbons by color is not permitted.) (BN) Reason for receipt of award is conversant (C). (CIR)

The Corps. (V) (BN) (CIR)

Worth’s Battalion Orders. (V) (BN) (CIR)

General Orders. (V) (BN) (CIR)

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3^rd WEEK, (Cont.)

Monuments. (C) (BN) (CIR)

What are the mistakes on the French Monument?

(C) (BN) (CIR)

What is the oldest building on Post?

(C) (BN) CIR)

What are the names of the Army Mules?

(C) (BN) (CIR)

4^th WEEK:

Branch Insignia. (V) (BN) (CIR)

Army Blue. (V) (BN) (CIR)

Benny Havens. (V) (BN) (CIR)

Excerpt from “Duty, Honor, Country.”

(V) (BN) (CIR)

MacArthur’s Message and Opinion of Athletics.

(V) (BN) (CIR)

Organization of the Corps of Cadets.

(C) (BN) (CIR)

2^nd Detail chain of command. (V) (BN) (CIR)

What is the subject of the mural in Washington Hall? (C) (BN) (CIR)

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4th WEEK, (Cont.)

What does the stained glass window in the north wing of the Cadet Mess Hall represent?

(C) (BN) (CIR)

What is the origin of Cadet Gray? (C) (BN) (CIR)

What is the M16A1 Assault Rifle? (C) (CIR)

5^th WEEK:

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. (V) (BN) (CIR)

Badges and Tabs (V) to include what they are, and what they stand for. (C) (BN) CIR)

Heritage items. (V) (BN) (CIR)

Songs and Cheers I to include “On Brave Old Army Team,” Away We Go,” “Slum and Gravy,” and “Locomotive Yell.” (V) (BN) (CIR)

Code of Conduct. (C) for origin and concept,

(V) for articles. (BN) (CIR)

What marked the beginning of competitive intercollegiate athletics at West Point?

(C) (BN) (CIR)

What is the largest piece of turned granite in the Western Hemisphere? (C) (BN) (CIR)

What are the ABCs of life saving measures?

(V) (CIR)

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6^th WEEK:

Department Heads of Fourth Class courses.

(V) (BN) (BB) (CIR)

Locations of buildings to include: Administration Building, Hotel Thayer, Hospital, Generals’ Quarters, Cullum Hall, Library, Gillis Field House, Michie Stadium, Cadets Chapels, Arvin Gymnasium, Eisenhower Hall, Holleder Center, Pershing Center, and the Museum.

(C) (BN) (CIR)

Songs and Cheers II to include the “Rocket Yell,” “Gridiron Grenadiers,” “Long Corps Yell,” and the “Army Song.” (V) (BN) (CIR)

Captains of all competitive athletic teams.

(V) (BN)

For what is the Cadet Chapel organ noted?

(C) (BN) (CIR)

What is the history of the class ring?

(C) (BN) (CIR)

What is Scott’s Fixed Opinion? (V) (BN) (CIR)

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Section III: FOURTH CLASS KNOWLEDGE

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ARMY ENLISTED RANK

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CADET SLEEVE INSIGNIA

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CADET SLEEVE INSIGNIA, (Cont.)

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CADET COLLAR INSIGNIA

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BRANCH INSIGNIA

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BRANCH INSIGNIA, (Cont.)

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BRANCH COLORS

Each branch of the Army has its own distinctive color or color combination. These are used in the organization guidons and in the dress uniforms of officers.

Adjutant General Dark Blue piped w/ Scarlet

Armor Yellow

Air Defense Artillery Scarlet

Field Artillery Scarlet

Aviation Ultramarine Blue & Golden Orange

Chaplain Black

Chemical Blue piped w/ Yellow

Engineers Scarlet piped w/ White

Finance Silver Gray piped w/ Golden Yellow

Infantry Light Blue

Inspector General Dark Blue piped w/ Light Blue

Military Intelligence Oriental Blue piped w/ Silver Gray

JAG Dark Blue piped w/ White

Medical Maroon piped w/ White

Military Police Green piped w/ Yellow

Ordnance Crimson piped w/ Yellow

Quartermaster Buff

Signal Orange piped w/ White

Special Forces Jungle Green

Transportation Brick Red piped w/ Golden Yellow

USMA Professors Scarlet & Silver Gray

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BADGES AND TABS

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BADGES AND TABS, (Cont.)

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ACTIVE ARMY DIVIS IONS

1^ST Inf. Div. (Mech.) Germany

2^nd Inf. Div. Korea

3^rd Inf. Div. (Mech.) Ft. Stewart, GA

4^th Inf. Div. (Mech.) Ft. Hood, TX

10^th Mtn. Div. (Light) Ft. Drum, NY

25^th Inf. Div. (Light) Hawaii

1^st Cav. Div. Ft. Hood, TX

1^st Armored Div. Germany

82d Airborne Div. Ft. Bragg, NC

101^st Airborne Div. Ft. Campbell, KY

(Air Assault)

ARMY SHOULDER PATCHES

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ARMY SHOULDER PATCHES, (Cont.)

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MILITARY TIME

All U.S. military services designate the hours in a day by using a 24-hour clock. The day begins at one minute after midnight (12:01 a.m.) and is written as 0001 hours. See the table below:

CIVILIAN MILITARY

12:01 a.m. 0001

1:00 0100*

2:00 0200

3:00 0300

4:00 0400

5:00 0500

6:00 0600

7:00 0700

8:00 0800

9:00 0900

10:00 1000*

11:00 1100

12:00 (Noon) 1200

1:00 p.m. 1300

2:00 1400

3:00 1500

4:00 1600

5:00 1700

6:00 1800

7:00 1900

8:00 2000

9:00 2100

10:00 2200

11:00 2300

12:00 (Midnight) 2400

*Pronounced as 01-hundred, 10-hundred, etc.

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PHONETIC ALPHABET

The Army and other military services rely on the use of a phonetic alphabet to facilitate communication. Get to know the following.

LETTER SPELLING

A ALPHA

B BRAVO

C CHARLIE

D DELTA

E ECHO

F FOXTROT

G GOLF

H HOTEL

I INDIA

J JULIET

K KILO

L LIMA

M MIKE

N NOVEMBER

O OSCAR

P PAPA

Q QUEBEC

R ROMEO

S SIERRA

T TANGO

U UNIFORM

V VICTOR

W WHISKEY

X X-RAY

Y YANKEE

Z ZULU

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Section IV: Bugle Notes - Extract

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