WEST POINT, N.Y. – The U.S. Military Academy will welcome more than 1,220 candidates from every state in the nation over three days from 12-14 July. 

Reception Day will be staggered to accommodate public health guidelines and incorporate nonpharmaceutical interventions to safeguard the health and welfare of all cadet candidates, families, and community members. The days mark the beginning of a Cadet Basic Training and the first day of their transition from civilian to new cadet as a member of the Class of 2024.

Each Reception Day cohort will carry out the same requirements and tasks that are traditional of R-day. Also, candidates will be COVID-19 tested immediately upon arrival, wear facial coverings, and practice social distancing. 

No family activities will take place on the installation this year.  Families are encouraged to stop by the outdoor expo at the Visitor Center in Highland Falls for information about the West Point community after dropping their candidates off.

More than 1,220 U.S. citizens and 13 international students, including 286 women, 493 minorities, and 18 combat veterans, will report to the academy.

“The Class of 2024 is exceptional and a great representation of our nation’s best,” said Director of Admissions Col. Deborah McDonald.

The incoming class was selected from a pool of nearly 16,000 applicants. Minority enrollment, roughly 40 percent, includes 214 African Americans, 141 Hispanic Americans, 118 Asian-Americans, and 20 Native Americans.

“Their strong performances in academics, leadership, athletics, in a persistent COVID-19 environment show they have the necessary foundation for successful completion of a challenging 47-month West Point experience and future service to our nation as commissioned leaders of character,” McDonald continued. 

The Class of 2024 includes cadet candidates from 12 international students entering under the sponsorship of their respective countries. The countries represented include Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Kosovo (2), Mongolia, Philippines, Rwanda, South Korea, and Taiwan. Upon graduation, these cadets will return to their countries as officers in their armed forces.

During Reception Days, new cadets begin the process of becoming West Point cadets and future U.S. Army officers. They undergo administrative processing, are fitted with their initial military clothing issue, receive haircuts, medical and physical evaluations, and begin their first lessons in marching, military courtesy, and discipline.  On July 15, the Class of 2024 will stand on the Plain to take the Oath of Allegiance from the Commandant of Cadets, Brig. Gen. Curtis Buzzard.

Due to the shortened summer caused by COVID 19, Cadet Basic Training (CBT) has been reduced from the typical six weeks to 4 weeks of training. CBT will train 80% of the tasks trained during a normal 6-week plan and include a 5-day, 4-night FTX.  Events not trained by the Class of 2024 during CBT will be executed during Cadet Field Training next year.

At the end of their initial training period, new cadets will be formally accepted into the Corps of Cadets.

About West Point

The U. S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal, liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City.  It was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering and continues today as the world's premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country.  Its mission remains constant-to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U. S. Army.  For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.