R-Day, or Reception Day, is the day the cadet candidates report to West Point. Candidates report early in the day to begin their in processing for their 47-month experience. Reporting time will be assigned to each cadet. Parents and family members are invited to explore certain areas of West Point, visit the Parent Welcome and Information area in Eisenhower Hall, check out Army equipment and vehicles, hear remarks from leadership and view the Oath Ceremony at the end of the day. Please review the reporting letter posted on the candidate portal.

Cadet candidates will receive instructions for reporting via email or via their candidate portal. 
All will enter West Point via Stony Gate and park as directed. Once parents and candidates have parked in the designated parking lots, cadet candidates, luggage, parents and additional guests will proceed to the Foley Center, the indoor practice facility near Michie Stadium. Once the Cadet Candidates check in, they will be organized into groups and will proceed to Eisenhower Hall. Once at Eisenhower Hall they will receive a welcome brief in the Eisenhower Hall Theater. At the conclusion of the briefing, you will have 60 seconds to say goodbye. The cadet candidates will then continue their in processing for Cadet Basic Training (CBT).

Parents and family members may travel to West Point to drop off their cadet candidate. There will be some cadet candidates who will travel on their own. Information on travel arrangements can be found in the "Instructions" booklet on the candidate portal.

Following the briefing and saying good-bye to your cadet candidate, we invite you to visit the Parent Welcome and Information area. We will have local gift shops, parent clubs, USAA, the Red Cross, representatives from all our support services, representatives from the 50-year affiliate class and more. Please allow us to show off our West Point hospitality and welcome you to the West Point family.

Once you have said your goodbyes, you will not have any direct contact with your son or daughter on R-Day. You will have an opportunity to see the new cadets participate in the Oath Ceremony on the Plain later in the day. Shuttles will be available immediately following to transport parents and family members to the parking lots.

The ceremony is just that, a ceremony where the new cadets will march in formation out onto the Plain and repeat the oath taken earlier in the day during in processing. The oath affirms their commitment to enter West Point as a cadet. This ceremony will take place on Monday, July 1, 6:30 p.m.

A map will be available with the approximate locations of company positions, but, they will be positioned Company A-I left to right as you are viewing the Plain from the bleachers. The cadets will be arranged by height in the formation for the Oath Ceremony. But please know, you can view the ceremony from any seat in the bleachers. This formation is more compact than many of the other parades, ceremonies or reviews.

The Parent Information and Welcome area will be available 6 a.m.- 4 p.m.  The Oath Ceremony will take place later in the day. Departure is recommended for all once the oath ceremony is complete. Buses will be available to transport guests back to the parking area as soon as the Oath Ceremony is over.

Although R-Day is a great day to visit West Point, there is no further contact with your son/daughter once you say your goodbyes during the report time. Acceptance Day is an opportunity to see a wonderful parade, celebrate the end of summer training and spend time with your cadet. Once the parade is over, the cadets (now officially plebes), are released soon after the parade to spend time with their families. For more information please see the Acceptance Day FAQ (update coming soon).

Photos and videos will be shared from West Point Public Affairs during the summer.  This will continue during the academic via the West Point social media platforms.

The West Point home page can be found at www.westpoint.edu. The Parent Information page can be found at www.westpoint.edu/parents. Various documents are posted on this site throughout the year.

Photos are posted on Flickr. Information and links are posted on Facebook: www.facebook.com/westpointparents and www.facebook.com/westpointUSMA

Videos are posted to YouTube and linked to from the West Point website and/or Facebook.

The West Point Association of Graduates also share photos. Links can be found on its website.

New cadets should bring receipts for travel costs when they report for R-Day. Within a few days after R-Day, they will meet with staff members who will help enter the information necessary for reimbursement: airline costs, a night in a hotel, incidentals, mileage, etc. Keep in mind the government sets limits on allowable costs. Reimbursement will be deposited into the new cadet’s personal account sometime during the summer. Please encourage your cadet candidate to submit all required forms for pay as instructed. 

New cadets will have an opportunity to call home during their training. The phone calls are scheduled for the midway point of training. They sometimes are allowed an additional call depending on their training schedule. The timeline is sometimes shared during CBT via social media or email to parents. It is recommended during Cadet Basic Training parents should keep their phones charged, ringers set to loud and answer all numbers. 

Cadets are offered the opportunity to call home at the midway point (July 21 – New Cadet Visitation Day between 1-5 p.m.). New Cadet Visitation Day is a time for the cadets to visit with staff and faculty for the afternoon. The new cadets often use their own phones, but staff and faculty also offer their phones and sometime computers or other smart devices for these calls.

During CBT, contact is limited to brief phone calls or regular mail. We ask that you not visit West Point during CBT. This is a time for your sons and daughters to experience the challenges and rigors of their initial training. They will have plenty to share via their letters, phone conversations and your visit during Acceptance Day (details to follow). Please know we have staff photographers who will do their best to capture many of the training events to share with family and friends via our website and social media platforms.

New cadets are issued sunscreen and bug repellent (it's a mix of both). Their uniforms are treated prior to issue and the repellant is good for up to 25 washes.

Yes, it is very normal for a new cadet to lose weight over the summer. Their eating habits will change from grazing (while at home) to eating 3 family-style meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner. Understand that there is no soda/junk food, etc. - they drink water, juice and sports drinks almost exclusively during CBT. They are constantly on the move. They conduct physical training twice a day for the most part. It is not atypical for training to include a field exercise where they will walk well over 20 km over 3 days. They are being taken care of but the weight loss is a natural consequence to the change in lifestyle. Nutrition is paid very close attention during CBT. They are supplied with meals that have a significant amount of calories to ensure they are properly nourished and have the appropriate energy stores to complete the expected training. For all major training events, they are offered protein bars and energy drinks. A new cadet’s weight is monitored. It is a point of emphasis for all involved.

All injuries are evaluated and treated on a case by case basis. Continuation and participation in training will depend on the severity of the injury.

Information from the Chaplain’s office – New cadets have services at 8 a.m. on Sundays (various locations). The mission requirements of training may supersede scheduled worship but they are the exception.

If during CBT, call Central Guard Room (845) 938-3030 and leave a message for a member of your new cadet’s TAC team. They will call back once they receive the message. Additionally (VERY IMPORTANT), please notify the Red Cross.

The Red Cross helps with the verification so the chain of command can make a decision regarding emergency leave. For more information please see the Red Cross Emergency Communications web page . In addition to the website, the Red Cross now has a very helpful app. You can review the services provided via this site.

The information below is another way for Service members and families to start a Red Cross message through our new app. The Hero Care App is available to download for free in app stores, by texting ‘GETHEROCARE’ to 90999 or by clicking this link from a mobile device.

If an emergency occurs after CBT, you can connect directly with your cadet or via the chain of command.

If you feel they may need support, especially if delivering news of a loss in the family, you can call the TAC team via Central Guard Room, (845 938-3030) and ask for a member of the TAC team to return your call. The TAC or TAC NCO will call as soon as possible.

Additionally (VERY IMPORTANT), please notify the Red Cross. The Red Cross helps with the verification so the chain of command can make a decision regarding emergency leave. For more information please see this link.

Please know counselors and chaplains are available to support cadets as needed.

If you have further questions, please email Deb Dalton or call (845) 938-8826.

The out-processing from CBT can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. The initial counseling process by the Chain of Command is deliberately extended over the course of a few days to give the New Cadet every opportunity to assess the situation with upperclassmen feedback. At that point they will speak with their Tactical Officer/Deputy Commander who can explain the benefits and opportunities of a career in the Army. The rest of the time is utilized processing the paperwork through the Superintendent. During this portion the new cadet transitions into Summer Garrison Regiment where they will turn in their equipment and attend regular accountability formations waiting for their paperwork to be completed.

One of the out-processing tasks at the Tactical Officer level is to contact the parents to inform them. In most cases the TAC authorizes the New Cadet a phone call home as most of the issues tend to revolve around home sickness. In some cases multiple phone calls are authorized to navigate the situation, but are not the norm as new cadets are supposed to be overcoming the challenges of CBT themselves.

The Ring Ceremony on The Plain (the parade field) will begin at approximately 4:50 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23.

Parents and guests - please park in the Buffalo Soldier Field (BSF) lot just inside Thayer Gate. Buses will be available 2-7:30 p.m. to shuttle parents and guests to and from the ceremony at The Plain. The pickup point at BSF is the bus shelter. 
The drop off point at The Plain is at the pull out point on Trophy Point. 

Please be in the bleachers at The Plain by 4:30 p.m.  The area directly in front of the bleachers is where they cadets will stand for the ceremony. First and Second regiments will enter from the middle of The Plain, Third and Fourth will enter from the right side. Appropriate attire is summer/business casual; sundress, capris, skirts, walking shorts for ladies; shorts, casual pants, polo shirts, etc., for men. 
Be comfortable and wear comfortable shoes.

Please join us for the 8th Annual Ring Run 5K, Sat., Aug 24 at 8 a.m. To register for family members and guests, please use the following link
Welcome (army.mil). No cost for cadets to participate. 
Call the Fitness Center to register cadets: (845) 938-6490. It promises to be a fun event!

YES, there is a reception, Saturday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m. at Eisenhower Hall. Buses will be available at 2 p.m. from Buffalo Soldier Field parking lot. Additionally, parking is available in Clinton Lot, with a short walk to Ike Hall. A bus stop will be added at approximately 3:50 p.m. at Ike Hall for guests attending the reception. The stops will become Buffalo Soldier Field, Ike Hall and Clinton Lot (drop off for the banquet) until 5:50 p.m. The shuttle will pause until 7:15 p.m. The shuttle will continue to run until 8:30 p.m. from Clinton Lot area to Buffalo Soldier Field parking lot. 
Handicapped bus will be available to north area behind the cadet mess for the banquet.

On Saturday, August 24, the banquet will take place at the cadet mess in Washington Hall. All guests (Cadet + 3 guests) attending the banquet should be in place behind their chairs in the cadet mess no later than 5:50 p.m. This is a formal event. Suggested attire is formal, full-length dress for the ladies and dark business suit or tuxedo (or military equivalent).

Cadets are responsible for signing up/payment for guests.

Please refrain from entering the Cadet area. Parents and guests are not allowed into the barracks or buildings in the Cadet Restricted Area. Thank you for your support.

For guests attending the banquet, buses will run from Buffalo Soldier Field to the Superintendent's Review Box near The Plain. Guests will follow the sidewalk to the apron in front of the cadet mess. (Comfortable shoes are a good idea.) 
Buses will run beginning at 3 p.m. (for the reception at Ike Hall) and will continue to run from BSF, transporting parents and guests to the drop off for the cadet mess. Buses will continue to run until 8:30 p.m. 

All visitors to West Point for these events should review the security information posted at this link.

• The West Point Parents Club of MDDCVA will be selling Class Crest Afghans (throws). Proceeds from the sale of the throws will be donated to the class for its gift fund.
• The West Point Parents Club of New Jersey will be in the grassy area behind the bleachers on Friday selling coins with the class crest. Proceeds from the sale of the coins will be donated to the class for its gift fund.
• The West Point Parents Club of Southeast Pennsylvania will be in the grassy area behind the bleachers on Friday to distribute pre-purchased tote bags.

The weather can range from very cold, freezing temps to spring-like conditions. Continue to check the weather forecast before departing for West Point. Always be prepared for a shower/rain/snow/ice.

Shuttle buses will be available throughout, but a fair amount of walking is still required. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Additional shuttle bus information can be found in the PPW Information Guide. You will be encouraged to park in Buffalo Soldier Field, and other parking areas to be shared via a map and all are encouraged to take the shuttle bus, especially on Friday.

Business casual for most events. Dinner and dance on Saturday night require more formal attire; a long dress or party pantsuit; a tuxedo, dark suit, or military uniform as appropriate; cadets will be in their full dress for the event.

The schedule will be posted on the Parent Information page in late January/early February. Hard copies will also be available at the Parent Welcome/Information Center in Eisenhower Hall on Friday, March 22.

Yes – please register! Registration will help us to plan for your visit. Thank you! A link will be posted on the Parent Information page – /parents in early February

Plan to arrive either Thursday evening or early Friday morning.

Please join us for an informal Parent Gathering on Thursday, March 21 at The Thayer Hotel, 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is an informal "pay as you go" event. The Parent Welcome Center in Eisenhower Hall will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 22. The schedule for the day includes tours of various buildings and informational presentations throughout the day. Parents/guests will be formally welcomed on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. by Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland in the Eisenhower Hall Theater. 

Yes. Additional family members are welcome; however, the cadets are allowed four seats for the banquet (one for themselves and three additional). Cadets can sometimes find additional seats through their company. It is the cadet’s responsibility to procure any additional seats. There is often a reference to “tickets” for the dinner. There are no actual “tickets” sold

Many cadets will invite dates to attend the dinner and dance. This is typically a family discussion/decision

West Point Club, Thayer Hotel, Subway, Lil’ Skeeters (West Point Bowling Center) and Burger King (located at the PX). Hours of operation will be available in the PPW schedule. Restaurants can also be found on Main Street in Highland Falls, ranging from sandwich shops to full-service restaurants.

YES! Transportation is available on Sunday, March 5 for plebes who require transportation to the major airports. Tickets are sold via an online link posted on the West Point MWR link.

Activities and events may include but are not limited to the following - Remarks by the Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, tours of the uniform factory, tours of Quarters 100, Jefferson Hall Library, Army Sports Hall of Fame, academic open houses, presentations by USCC staff, overview of the CEAC (Cyber & Engineering Academic Center project, support services presentation, TAC Team open house and the opportunity to visit your cadet’s room in the barracks. The culminating event is a formal banquet and unveiling of the Class of 2027 crest in the cadet mess followed by receiving lines and a hop at Eisenhower Hall.

The Plebe-Parent Review is a parade with only plebes participating. The formation will consist of plebes from each of the 36 companies, in platoon-size formations (4 x 8). The companies will march in order (Company A1-Company I4) led by the brigade staff. The color guard marches in between the 2nd and 3rd regiments. Parents/guests will observe from the edge of the apron in front of the Eisenhower and MacArthur Barracks.

(Tentative) The dinner starts at 5 p.m. All cadets and guests are expected to be behind their chairs by 4:45 p.m. Remember to bring bubble wrap or socks to wrap your souvenir wine glasses. Attendance is mandatory for all members of the Class of 2027 unless on an approved trip section or hospitalized. Suggested attire can be found on the Parent Information page – please look for Cadet Hostess – Formal Attire presentation.

Yes, following the dinner guests will be invited to visit Ike Hall, go through receiving lines, and enjoy a hop (dance). Music for the hop is provided by the West Point Benny Haven's Band.

The schedule is designed to give you options (or choices) of various activities to enjoy while attending Plebe-Parent Weekend. Please use the information as a planning guide and do not feel you have to attend EVERYTHING! Discuss with your cadet as they may have suggestions on what to see based on their experience to this point.