<p>It’s been almost exactly two years since I packed my gym bag for R-Day and posted my last message on this forum. A buddy mentioned this site so I fired up the old password and thought I would drop a line to the Nearly New Cadets.</p>
<p>As I look back on those two years, I can confirm the adage “The days are long but the weeks are short.” Our unofficial class motto was “It’s a long time til 2009”. The days continue to be long and demanding but the months, and now years, fly by. </p>
<p>You can make it here. Unless you lied on the application and during your interview, candidates selected by USMA have what it takes academically and physcially to make it here. Except for the cadets with subsequent medical issues or cadets who do something totally stupid, the cadets that don’t make it are those that chose to leave. </p>
<p>Nearly New Cadets</p>
<li><p>This place rocks! It also sucks big time. Be ready for both. Many times the only difference between the two is your frame of mind. </p></li>
<li><p>Never Quit. By design, the program here will overwhelm you at times. You will taste failure. It’s part of the leadership development program. For some of you superstars it will be a new experience. It might even bring you to tears. But never quit. You’ll find out that failing sucks but life goes on. </p></li>
<li><p>Expect to be overwhelmed on R-Day. You’re suppose to be. When my head hit the pillow the first night, I asked myself " What the heck have I gotten myself into?" Occassionally, I still ask myself that question some nights. Never Quit. I encourage each of you to make a commitment that you will not quit during the first year, regardless of the situation. Write it on a piece of paper and carry it with you. If you ever consider quiting, get out the paper and read it to yourself. If after the end of the year you decide to quit, so be it. I can respect that. But if you quit before the first year ends, you haven’t given West Point a fair shot. You and West Point deserve that.</p></li>
<li><p>Big Secret. The people here want you to succeed. But you have to do it their way (most of the time). That goes for the other cadets as well. Except for a few complete jerks, cadets will help each other out of pretty much any jam you get into. Help your buddies.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t Do something Stupid. Drugs, sex offenses, cheating and accidental discharge of a weapon are unforgiveable offenses. Most other violations will cost you hours and other forms of grief but won’t get you separated. A couple of idiot plebes got nailed last year for selling and doing drugs. Don’t be one of those idiots.</p></li>
<li><p>The friendships you make will be unlike any you have had before. Unless you’re a complete jerk, you will bond with the other cadets. Not all of them, but enough to make your stay bearable. Don’t be a complete jerk.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, you will miss a lot of the fun times your buddies have at civilian schools. No, the inner pride felt as a cadet serving his country doesn’t make up for those lost “good times”. Deal with it. Doing the right thing sucks some times.</p></li>
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<p>Good luck to all of you. </p>
<p>And in case you missed it earlier, Never Quit! </p>
<p>And don’t be a complete jerk, the rest of us have to live with you.</p>
<p>Maybe I’ll check back in two years after I graduate.</p>