Grad March Back 2025

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Grad March Back scheduled for Aug. 10-11! March Back itself will occur Monday, Aug. 11,  with mandatory check-in and safety briefings on Sunday, Aug. 10. 

Although signups are closed, you can join our notification list to stay informed. We’ll send you an email with a direct link to the registration form as soon as it opens, ensuring you won’t miss out on this iconic West Point tradition.

Whether you’re a recent graduate eager to relive your “Beast” triumph or a seasoned Old Grad looking to reconnect with the institution that shaped you, Grad March Back offers a unique chance to revisit West Point in its most elemental form: cadets marching in unison, pushing through adversity, and leaning on the grit and unity that defines the Academy.

For the public, it’s a moving scene that captures the heart and soul of West Point. It’s one thing to read about the strength of the Long Gray Line; it’s another to witness it in person - or even better - to join in.

Registration

Timing

• Registration for the Grad March Back typically occurs in late spring or early summer.
• Specific dates will be announced once confirmed.

Registration Groups

1. Pre-Registration
   • Available exclusively for:
     • Class of ’29 Grad-Parents/Grad-Grandparents/Grad-Siblings
     • The fifty 50-Year Affiliate Grads identified by the Class of 1979 leadership
2. Normal Registration
   • Available for all West Point graduates.
   • Will be accessed through a link posted on the WPAOG March Back page.

Important Notes

• Slots fill quickly. We encourage you to register as soon as you can.
• 50-Year Affiliate Reservation. Although 50 slots are reserved for the 50-Year Affiliate Class (Class of 1979), any Class of 1979 member not on that specific list may still register during Normal Registration and will be eligible for 50-year affiliate gear.
• Limited Availability for Full March Back. Full March Back slots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you can select and purchase a Full March Back slot during registration, you have secured a spot.
• Changes from Full to Short March. If you are uncertain about your ability to complete the full 14-mile march, please let us know as soon as possible so we can switch you to the shorter march. Early notification allows us to accommodate someone on the waitlist for the Full March Back.
• Route Overview & Training. An overview of the planned route and recommended training plan for the event may be accessed at this link.
   

Wait List for Full March Back

• If full slots are taken, you will have the option to register for the Short March Back and join the waitlist for the Full March.
• If you prefer to be on the Full March waitlist without registering for the Short March, please email CPT Monty Kane at thierno.kane@westpoint.edu and request to be added to the Full March waitlist.
  • In most years, we can accommodate many (if not all) waitlisted individuals.
     

BBQ Options (Sunday, 10 August)

1. Lake Frederick BBQ
   • Open only to registered Full or Short March participants who are members of the 50-Year Affiliation Class.
   • This lunch provides an opportunity to spend time with new cadets. Family and friends are not permitted at this event.
2. Herbert Hall BBQ
   • Open to all marchers, family, and friends.
   • Catered by Mission BBQ.
   • Includes remarks from Academy senior leaders, schedule permitting.
      

Pricing

• Pricing is TBD.
• Details will be announced before the registration date.
   

General Timeline

1. May/June
   • Registration opens (dates may vary year to year).
2. Sunday, 10 August
   • Sign in at Herbert Hall (morning)
     • Multiple ROE (Rules of Engagement) briefings will be scheduled; each marcher must attend one.
   • BBQ Lunch (mid-day)
     • Enjoy a catered meal and beverages.
     • Likely to include remarks from senior Academy leaders.
   • 50-Year Affiliate Lake Frederick BBQ (for those eligible and registered to attend).
3. Monday, 11 August
   • Early Link-Up at Buffalo Soldier Field for bus transport to Lake Frederick.
   • Grad March Back (Full or Short).
   • Post-March Luncheon at Eisenhower Hall, open to all grad marchers and their guests.
      

Medical Clearance Form

• Required for all Full March participants age 60 or older on the day of the March Back (11 August 2025).
• Not required for those participating in the 2-mile Short March.
• The form can be downloaded at this link.
• It must be completed by a medical professional (physician, nurse practitioner, or PA) and returned via email to thierno.kane@westpoint.edu before the March Back.
  • You may also submit a physical copy on 10 August during sign-in at Herbert Hall.
     

Post Access

• If you do not have a DoD ID, West Point access pass (military, dependent, retiree, graduate pass, parent pass, etc.), you will need a local access credential (post pass) to enter West Point or be escorted by someone who has escort privileges.
• Normally, a pass is obtained at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) in Highland Falls.
• To save time, DAA can obtain a pass for you in advance and have it ready for pickup outside the Visitor Center on 10 August.
  • Each guest 18 or older who needs access must submit a separate form.
  • If you arrive outside of the 0900–1200 window on Sunday, we can still request a pass for you, and it will be left at the VCC.
• The VCC is open 0600–2145 daily.
• If you would like DAA to request a pass for you, please fill out the required form by the specified deadline.
   

Uniform & Gear

• Each grad marcher receives a polo shirt and hat unique to this year’s March Back.
• All grad marchers must adhere to the uniform guidance provided (to be finalized closer to the event).
• Active-duty participants may receive separate instructions based on their status (e.g., USMA staff/faculty).
• You may wear a backpack or ruck if it is generally military in appearance and color (e.g., black, OD green, or camouflage).
• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes are highly recommended, especially for the Full March.
   

Cadet & Platoon Assignment Requests

• During registration, you can request to march with a specific cadet or fellow participant(s).
• We will do our best to honor all requests.
• If you provide a cadet’s name, we will look up their squad/platoon/company—no extra email needed.
• Note that requests to march with specific cadets only apply to the Full March. The “Old Grads” typically form in a mass formation for the final two miles from the ski slope to Q100.
   

Grad Chain of Command

• A Grad Chain of Command (e.g., platoon leaders, company commanders) assists with accountability.
• If selected for one of these positions, you will be contacted separately to confirm availability and willingness to serve.
   

Order of March & Seeing Your Cadet

• Cadet companies march in squad, platoon, and company formations, starting with the best company, followed by the remaining companies in reverse alphabetical order (I, H, G, F, etc.).
• Depending on your company’s place in the order of march, you may have varying amounts of time to spend with your new cadet before stepping off for the final two miles.
• More details on the order of march will be provided as we get closer to the event.
   

Roster Verification

• In the weeks leading up to the March Back, we will publish a roster of registered participants.
• Please check your listing and notify us if there are any errors (e.g., you switched from Full to Short March).
• Ensuring roster accuracy helps us maintain accountability throughout the event.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact:

• CPT Monty Kane at thierno.kane@westpoint.edu for waitlist inquiries and medical clearance form submissions.

We look forward to your participation and hope you enjoy this memorable West Point tradition!

For additional or unlisted information, contact CPT Thierno Kane at thierno.kane@westpoint.edu