Cow Year

Cadets in their third year of study are called "cows" or "second-class cadets."

Cow Year

Cadets in their third year of study are called "cows" or "second-class cadets."

Privilege, Responsibility, and Purpose

By Cow Year, you are officially an upperclassman, and that means more privilege, more responsibility, and a greater impact on the Corps. You’ll step into the role of a cadet sergeant, guiding and supporting younger cadets while refining your own leadership style.

Your year begins the summer before your third academic year, either on a summer leadership detail or through an Individual Advanced Development (IAD) program. When the academic year starts, you’ll take part in the powerful Affirmation Ceremony, publicly committing to serve in the U.S. Army and defend the Constitution. It’s a defining moment: the point when you say, I’m all in.

Cow Year is filled with unforgettable milestones, celebrating 500 days until graduation, selecting and ordering your class ring, taking your final Howitzer yearbook photo, and receiving your cow loan. At the same time, opportunities to study, lead, travel, and grow—both at West Point and abroad—expand dramatically.

This year is your chance to shape the leader you will become. Seize every opportunity.

Affirmation Oath Ceremony

On the eve of your first day of classes as a cow, the entire class reports to a specific location to take the Oath of Affirmation. This ceremony affirms your commitment to complete the next two years of study and your active-duty service requirements as an U.S. Army officer. Once you’ve affirmed, you incur an obligation to the nation to complete your service.

Learn more about service commitment

500th Night and Ring Melt

500th Night marks a thrilling milestone in your journey, exactly 500 days until you graduate and commission as an Army officer. Your class celebrates this moment with a formal banquet in Washington Hall, recognizing how far you’ve come and looking ahead to the responsibilities and honor waiting just beyond the finish line.

Before the weekend begins, you will witness one of West Point’s most powerful traditions: the Ring Melt Ceremony. In a symbolic and emotional event, class rings donated by West Point graduates are melted together in a cauldron, combined with shavings of legacy gold from more than 800 rings contributed by alumni across generations. That gold becomes part of future class rings, physically linking you to the Long Gray Line.

It’s a reminder that you are part of something larger than yourself, connected to leaders who have served, sacrificed, and stood exactly where you stand.

500th Night and the Ring Melt bring the past and future together, honoring legacy, forging unity, and strengthening your purpose as you move toward commissioning.

Career Starter Loan

During your cow year, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for an optional Career Starter Loan offered by several financial institutions. Designed specifically for West Point cadets, this low-interest loan can help you begin building a strong financial foundation early in your career.

Many cadets choose to use it for practical investments—such as purchasing a vehicle as privileges and responsibilities expand—while others save or invest it to support long-term financial goals.

The Career Starter Loan is your first step toward smart financial readiness as a future Army officer.

Increased Privileges

After the Affirmation Oath Ceremony and 500th Night, you’ll begin to experience the momentum toward graduation and your future as an Army officer. As a second-class cadet, you gain increased privileges, like expanded opportunities to leave post, and for many, the ability to own and park a personal vehicle on campus.

With increased privileges come increased expectations. As a cadet sergeant, you’ll take on real leadership roles at the squad, platoon, and company levels, working directly with first-class cadet officers to help run the Corps of Cadets.

Plebe Milestones

Your plebe year begins your West Point journey and is defined by major milestones, from R-Day and Beast Barracks to the Acceptance Day Parade. Each step pushes you to grow and earn your place in the Corps.

Learn more about plebe milestones

Yearling Milestones

Your yearling year marks your transition into leadership. After completing Cadet Field Training and returning as a cadet corporal, you gain more responsibility and confidence while experiencing milestones like Yearling Winter Weekend and preparing to guide the next class.

Learn more about yearling milestones

Firstie Milestones

Your firstie year marks the culmination of your journey. You lead the Corps and experience major milestones like Ring Weekend, Branch Night, 100th Night, and Graduation and Commissioning, where you toss your hat and join the Army as a second lieutenant.

Learn more about firstie milestones