Academic Traditions | U.S. Military Academy West Point

Tradition in Every Lesson

At West Point, academic traditions push you to excel and embrace a culture of excellence. You’ll take part in the spirited “Sosh Run,” hear legends like Sedgewick’s Spurs before finals and learn the story of the Goat, honored at graduation. You can also strive for the Wreath and Star Wreath for top performance and earn leadership tabs in PL100 and PL300. Each tradition strengthens your discipline, pride and commitment to learning and leading.

Sosh Run

If you take the International Relations course in the Department of Social Sciences (SOSH), you’ll experience the famous Sosh Run, a lively tradition where cadets hand-deliver their papers to their instructor. Many show up in costumes, carrying their “brown bomber” with pride, while others sprint across campus in a dramatic race against the deadline. It’s a memorable blend of pressure, creativity, and camaraderie that captures the spirit of academic life at West Point.

Sedgewick’s Spurs

According to legend, if you’re worried about a tough final exam, there’s only one midnight solution: suit up in full dress under arms, slip out of the barracks unseen, and turn the spurs on the Sedgewick Monument. Cadets say completing this stealthy ritual—without getting caught—will bring the good luck you need to pass. It’s a lighthearted bit of West Point lore that adds excitement to exam season.

The Goat

At West Point, the cadet who graduates last in the class is known as “the Goat”, a title that comes from academy lore dating back to the 1800s. If you ever earn that spot, your classmates will keep the tradition alive by each contributing $1 so you walk away with a small bag of money along with your diploma. It’s a humorous reminder that every journey at the academy is unique, and that the bonds you build matter far more than your class rank.

The Wreath and Star Wreath

At West Point, earning the Wreath or Star Wreath is one of the most demanding and respected achievements you can attain. If you earn a 3.5 or higher in academics, military performance, and physical training for the year—and meet additional requirements—you receive the Wreath, a gold emblem of all-around excellence. If you also rank in the top 5 percent of your class in Yearly Quality Point Average (YQPA), you may be named a Distinguished Cadet, and earning both that and the Superintendent’s Award qualifies you for the Star Wreath, a gold star within a wreath symbolizing the highest level of discipline, consistency, and performance.

PL100 and PL300 Tabs

In two of your core leadership courses—PL100 and PL300—you’ll study psychology, decision-making, and what it takes to lead soldiers. If you perform at the top of your class, you’ll earn the PL100 or PL300 Tab, a distinctive mark of academic excellence. These tabs are awarded each year during a formal ceremony led by senior leaders from the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, highlighting your commitment to understanding and practicing effective leadership.

Academy Traditions

Academy traditions celebrate your journey and connect you to the Long Gray Line. Eeach moment honoring your growth and lifelong connection to the academy.

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Military Traditions

Military traditions build discipline, teamwork, and pride. Through shared challenges and ceremonies, you’ll grow as a leader and connect with generations of cadets who’ve followed the same path of service and honor.

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Athletic Traditions

Athletic traditions build discipline, teamwork and pride. You’ll live the motto “Every Cadet an Athlete,” pushing yourself in training and competition. Athletics are central to life at the academy, shaping your strength, resilience and leadership.

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