Plebe Year

At other colleges during your first year, you are referred to as a freshman, but at West Point, you are a “plebe," or a "fourth-class cadet."

Plebe Year

At other colleges during your first year, you are referred to as a freshman, but at West Point, you are a “plebe," or a "fourth-class cadet."

Where Your Transformation Begins

Your first year at West Point is officially called the fourth-class year, but you’ll know it as Plebe Year. As a plebe, you step into a role that is both symbolic and demanding, you learn discipline, humility, resilience, and what it means to put the team before yourself. This year is all about mastering the fundamentals and proving your character through action, not words.

You will be challenged to follow before you lead, gaining the perspective and experience that will shape you into a stronger, more capable leader. Every task, every standard, and every long day is designed to help you grow personally and professionally.

Plebe Year is a rite of passage, and by the end of it, you will have pushed beyond what you thought was possible.

Reception Day (R-Day)

Reception Day, or R-Day, is when your West Point journey officially begins. You’ll report early in the morning to start the in-processing that marks the first step of your 47-month experience. It’s intense, fast-moving, and unforgettable, your first real moment as part of the Corps of Cadets.

While you’re transitioning into life at the academy, your family will explore West Point, visit the Parent Welcome and Information area in Eisenhower Hall, see Army equipment and vehicles up close, hear from Army leaders, and gather for the powerful Oath Ceremony at the end of the day, when you publicly commit to the honor, discipline, and purpose that define this place.

Acceptance Day (A-Day)

Acceptance Day, or A-Day, marks a defining moment in your first year at West Point. At the end of your challenging summer of Cadet Basic Training, you will stand on the Parade Field and officially transition from a “new cadet” to a full member of the U.S. Corps of Cadets.

This ceremony symbolizes everything you’ve earned through grit, discipline, and growth. It’s a powerful milestone, often celebrated with family and friends who have supported your journey. The very next Monday, the academic year begins, and your 47-month experience accelerates into the classroom, the field, and the Corps.

Plebe Duties

As a fourth-class cadet, or plebe, you’ll take on responsibilities that help the Corps function smoothly and build your discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail. Plebe duties have evolved over time, but today they play an essential role in supporting daily life at West Point.

You will ensure cadets arrive on time by Calling Minutes before formations, manage laundry distribution from the Laundry Plant, and empty garbage and recycling bins in the barracks. In the Mess Hall, you’ll set the table and prepare for meals so your table can eat quickly and efficiently, developing habits that prepare you for the pace of military life.

Though some traditional tasks have changed with technology, the purpose remains the same: Plebe duties build ownership, service, and resilience.

Plebe Knowledge

As a plebe, you will be expected to master Plebe Knowledge, a foundational part of your development as a future Army officer. Since 1908, cadets have studied Bugle Notes, a handbook containing the history, traditions, and heritage of West Point and the U.S. Army. On R-Day, you’ll also receive a Knowledge Book that includes essential academy information, customs, and expectations.

Memorizing plebe knowledge isn’t just about recalling facts. It trains you to perform under pressure, think clearly in stressful moments, and communicate precisely, skills that could one day determine success in situations like calling for fire or requesting a medical evacuation.

You build mental toughness, discipline, and confidence, one page at a time.

Major Selection

During your plebe year, you’ll select your academic major before spring break, a key milestone that shapes your academic and professional path at West Point. Beginning in your yearling year, you’ll start taking courses in your chosen field, building depth beyond the core curriculum.

Major selection gives you the chance to explore subjects you’re passionate about, develop expertise, and connect with faculty and mentors who will challenge and support you. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your identity as both a scholar and a future Army leader.

You choose a direction, and West Point equips you to excel in it.

Plebe-Parent Weekend

Plebe-Parent Weekend gives your family and supporters a meaningful look into your life at West Point. It’s a special time for them to experience the discipline, pride, and purpose that define your journey, and to see firsthand how far you’ve come since R-Day.

With support from specialist staff, you and your fellow plebes plan and execute the entire weekend, coordinating events at the Parents Weekend Welcome Center, organizing briefings with academy leadership, hosting athletic events, leading a plebe review, and preparing for the dinner banquet, class crest unveiling, barracks closeout, and release for spring break.

This weekend is more than a celebration, it’s your first real opportunity to step into leadership roles, practice teamwork under pressure, and represent the Corps with confidence.

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

Cow/Yuk Milestones

Your cow (yuk) year is a major turning point. You declare your major, deepen your leadership role and experience milestones like Cow Weekend and receiving your class rings, marking your identity as a class and your commitment to the Long Gray Line.

Learn more about cow/yuk 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