R-Day

Colleges and Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
1

<p>Yesterday was R-day. For those of you "hopeful's" who have been perusing the photos and the R-day page I thought I would provide some explanation.</p>

<p>Cadet Candidate were each given a "window" of time which to report to Eisenhower Hall. The hour was either 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30.
The CC's from USMAPS were back at USMAPS over the weekend and bussed up Sunday night. They moved into their barracks and were "received" first - hence the kids in the green uniforms without luggage. Some USMAPS parents went and were indeed able to see their kids before they were processed.
My new cadet was to report at 7:30. We got to Ike Hall shortly after 7 am and waited. They took 44 New Cadets at a time with their families for a short briefing. We finally entered about 8:35. Time for the "infamous" 90 second good bye - which really isn't all as melodramatic as some would have you think! A quick hug for most and they went out the side door. There was no sobbing or hysterics - lol.</p>

<p>The New Cadets are boarded onto a bus and taken up to get processed. They get uniforms and get fitted for them by the ladies in the uniform shop. They get boots and shoes, the male new cadets get the head shaved. They get a physical and paperwork. They read and sign the oath of office.
All of this takes time and while they wait they learn bugle notes.<br>
They move into their barracks, learn how to set up their room and make their beds. properly. without fitted sheets.
After lunch they learn to march (a skill which improves!) and get ready for their first parade. Gotta love a parade. Well we parents love parades!</p>

<p>At 3 pm the Army brass had a briefing for the parents and families - Hi Mom3boys!! - yep, I got to sit with her!
General's Hagenbeck, Linnington and Finnegan all graced us with their presence and kind and encouraging words.
Some of the cadre performed a skit of what the "first Phone call" will be like - LOL. It was goooood!</p>

<p>After the briefing, we went out and waited for the parade for about an hour.
Finally! The band played and our New Cadets marched out to Trophy Point, faced the Hudson River and recited the Oath of Office.
They looked fantastic. The cadre looked fantastic.
After the Oath they marched off to dinner right away - it was 6:15 and they looked tired and hungry.</p>

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<p>Hey -you missed out all the fun parts like new cadets wearing the goofy black shorts, T-shirts and low quarters, and getting yelled at when they mess up reporting to the Cadet in the Red Sash....;). </p>

<p>It sounds as if it was a good R-Day :)</p>

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<p>Ahhhh yes - the new cadets are told to report in their low quarters - they wear them all day. The first uniform they get is the PT uniform and they wear that while their white over gray's are being fitted by the uniform shop.</p>

<p>I am not sure anyone ever reports to the "Cadet in the Red Sash" correctly - especially early in the day! We will have to ask Shogun that one!
There are many stories out there of reporting missteps.</p>

<p>BTW - the canteens you see are because they are on mandatory hydration. Periodically, the cadre will call out the cadets and order them to drink. They are well cared for. :)</p>

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<p>What a day! West Point knows how to stage an event!! Here is our family's version of events:</p>

<p>Son had the 8:30 report time. We were told the entrance gate would be very backed up, so get in it early. After a 7 a.m. b'fast, we headed to the Stoney Gate...and went right in! We parked in the waaaaaaaaaaay back of the lot and walked about a mile to the stadium to board the buses. We went to Ike where we began the que line (felt like Disney...not sure what was ahead, but knew there'd be excitement). We were in line around 8:15 and were finally ushered into our group of 44 at 9:30. (for newbies: 44=number of seats on the bus, so that is why that is the group size). We had the briefing and said our goodbyes. As we walked in, previous group was saying goodbyes...that was hard to watch w/ out getting choked up, so I looked away. By this point, son was ready to start the day...the waiting was driving him mad. We gave our hugs and parting words and he was off. </p>

<p>We met so many lovely people throughout the day--new parents and faculty. I finally met up w/ JAM4 in the afternoon. After the parade I glanced at someone's nametag and saw another poster. </p>

<p>After the parade the new cadets go into the dining hall and the doors slam. It's an odd feeling...the end of one life, the beginning of a new one. </p>

<p>We went back to the buses, were dropped off, found the car...then we just sat and sat while we waited our turn to leave. I realized it was good to have an early report time, as you could park next to the road and get out easily! </p>

<p>We went to dinner w/ our friends and unlike the night before when we needed a table for 9, we only needed one for 7...= (</p>

<p>Before we flew home today, we went back on campus to see the things we didn't see the day before...I know it sounds morbid, but we enjoyed seeing the cemetary and the graves of some very famous USMA grads (i.e. Custer). </p>

<p>Other than seeing where my son would be and hearing how vested they were in his successfully completing the 47 month program, the highlight for me was meeting other parents. Everyone had a story, and it was great listening. My ears perked up when I heard the occassional "y'all" and that was fun! I learned where some good deals might be had for the next trip, what to see and do, etc. </p>

<p>For those I didn't meet, I hope to see you at A day. For those exploring for 2013, go visit!! I really felt like there were no surprises, as I had learned so much on this site! Thanks to everyone who made the journey easier!</p>

<p>--Mom3Boys (whose house is too quiet!!!!!!)</p>

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<p>"I am not sure anyone ever reports to the "Cadet in the Red Sash" correctly "</p>

<p>I know one new cadet who did it right the first time--"unfortunately (her words) everything else that day was wrong" :)</p>

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<p>what do you say when you report to the cadet in the red sash?</p>

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<p>My son had a 6:30 report time. We arrived at 5:45 and had an awesome parking spot! We hopped the shuttle buses, waited in line, and entered Ike at 7:10. I video'd the cadet giving her spiel, and was surprised it only lasted about 2 minutes, and then she said, "You have 60 seconds to say goodbye." I was expecting 90 seconds!!! Anyway, my boy looked in the camera and said "Goodbye" and kissed the camera lens before I turned it off and hugged him. It wasn't until after I exited the auditorium that I lost it :-(</p>

<p>Despite the morning's sadness, I really had a great day. I spent a great deal of time around Grant Hall watching all the new cadets and after an hour or two, I felt so much better. We had a great lunch at the West Point Club and had perfect weather for the Oath ceremony. I met many new friends from all over the country and can't wait to go back for A Day.</p>

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<p>We just got home from dropping our boy at R-Day. Anyone who hasn't been to West Point should go. It is magnificent in every way. Just makes you proud.</p>

<p>We arrived before 6 for the 630 report time, and I am so thankful for that early start! The parking was easy, the lines were not too long, and after our sad/proud 60-second goodbye, we had plenty of time for seeing the sights and catching glimpses of the cadets here and there. The ballroom was not crowded as it became later, so we got to browse and shop comfortably. At the end of the day we easily picked out our cadet in the parade and were rewarded with a WINK!!!</p>

<p>xcpetersen, as to what you say to the cadet in the red sash... For what it's worth, the night before R-Day, S said, "Mom, want to hear what I have been practicing for the last couple of weeks?" I said, "Sure," and he began to shout: "New Cadet ______ reporting to the cadet in the red sash as ordered, Sir!" Made me laugh! He said he wanted to do it right the first time, but he was not clear whether the "sir" should come before or after.</p>

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<p>i have really got to say this to all of you parents on this site, with out your help and support it would of been a tougher time on you cadet (not quite kids any more ;) ) and i just wanted to say congats on your cadet making it to west point, all of you have done a great job!</p>

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<p>my son had a 6:30 report time and as prepared as I thought I was, as soon as he walked off and was out of sight I lost it. We did have a good night the evening before, he met up with some of his buddies from MMI and we had after dinner drinks with some of the parents, then we sat at the hotel talking with the boy untill none of us could stay awake any longer. West Point is so beautiful and awe-inspirering, I can't wait to go back for A Day. I have seen a couple of pictures of him and he looks fine.</p>

11

<p>^^^^^
didn't the kids have fun!! I can't believe that I didn't see you and the entourage at all on R-day!</p>

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<p>haha, I got it right the first time too, Shogun.</p>

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<p>Marines4Me:</p>

<p>How's that Red Sash feel????
:)</p>