Where Tradition Shapes Your Journey

Stepping onto the grounds of the United States Military Academy means becoming part of timeless academy traditions that shape your journey. From parades on the Plain to ceremonies that mark your growth from Plebe to Firstie, these customs connect you to generations of cadets and reinforce the values of Duty, Honor, Country. Each tradition strengthens your sense of belonging and prepares you to lead with character as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Class Motto and Crest

Your class motto and crest are two of the first symbols that shape your identity at West Point. Although the tradition began in 1835, today every class selects its motto during Cadet Basic Training and reveals it just before the March Back in August. During your plebe year, representatives from each company join the Class Ring and Crest Committee to design a crest that captures your class’s values and spirit. The goal is to unveil it in March, a moment that marks your class’s place in the Long Gray Line.

Spirit Missions

Spirit missions are your chance to bring creativity, humor, and camaraderie to the Corps. These lighthearted pranks—like hanging unexpected posters or pulling clever surprises during Army–Navy Week—build connection and boost morale. They’re designed to be fun, nonpermanent, and safe, and you’ll complete a risk assessment beforehand. It’s a playful tradition that still sharpens the practical decision-making skills you’ll use as an Army leader.

Class Rings

West Point created the class ring tradition in 1835, and it remains one of the academy’s most meaningful symbols. As a firstie, you’ll receive your ring during Ring Weekend, a milestone that marks your growing place in the Long Gray Line. The celebration continues as plebes from your company honor the moment with a lighthearted verse known as “The Ring Poop,” a rite that adds humor to an unforgettable weekend.

Today’s rings also carry a deeper legacy. Through the Class Ring Memorial Program, graduates donate their rings to be melted down and mixed into the gold for new rings. Each year’s ring class is literally forged from the generations who came before, linking you to West Point’s history in a powerful and personal way.

Special Dinners

Throughout the year, you’ll take part in formal dinners in the Cadet Mess Hall that honor national leaders and distinguished members of the Long Gray Line. Events like the Nininger Award Dinner and Founder’s Day Dinner connect you to West Point’s heritage and remind you that you’re part of a tradition rooted in excellence, service, and shared purpose.

Hat Toss

The Hat Toss is one of the most iconic moments at West Point. At the end of the graduation ceremony, you and your classmates launch your white caps into the air to celebrate four demanding, transformative years at the academy. As the caps fall, local children rush onto the field to collect them; a joyful tradition that symbolizes the excitement, pride, and possibility that come with joining the Army as a newly commissioned officer.

Commissioning and Bar Pinning

After graduation, you’ll step into your role as an Army officer by putting on your uniform with newly pinned second lieutenant rank and taking the oath of office. Many new lieutenants honor tradition by giving a silver dollar or class coin to the first person who renders them a salute, a symbolic gesture that marks the beginning of a career built on leadership, commitment, and service.