Gateway for Parents

Useful information for the parents of current or future cadets.

Information for USMAPS parents

Gateway for Parents

Useful information for the parents of current or future cadets.

Information for USMAPS parents
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Welcome to the West Point Family!

Having a cadet is both a proud and unique experience. Support from parents and family members is important during their education and training at West Point. Congratulations! Go Army! Beat Navy! 

Information is also made available via the West Point Insider newsletter, official U.S. Military Academy social media platforms, and West Point parents' clubs.

Resources for parents of prospective cadets Resources for parents of new cadets Resources for parents of current cadets

Resources for Parents of Prospective Cadets

Welcome to the United States Military Academy’s official resource page for parents and guardians of prospective cadets. The decision to seek admission to West Point is a momentous one - requiring careful thought, dedication, and a commitment to serving the nation. As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your candidate through this process, offering encouragement, perspective, and guidance as they consider this unique and challenging path.

Understanding what lies ahead is essential. From the application process and nomination requirements to academic expectations and military training, having accurate, timely information can make a meaningful difference. This page is designed to help you navigate key topics and point you toward reliable sources of information and support.

Here, you will find answers to frequently asked questions, guidance on how to best support your candidate, and links to additional resources to assist you during this important time.

West Point offers a fully funded world-class education that prepares the Nation's best and brightest to shape America's future.

West Point's Military Program consists of training, leader development, and scholarship and ensures cadets receive the opportunities and guidance necessary to become effective commissioned leaders of character.

The Physical Program is designed to challenge cadets to develop and maintain optimal levels of physical strength, endurance, mobility, agility, speed, power, balance, and coordination, and prepare them to become leaders of character who are physically fit, resilient, and prepared to lead soldiers.

The academy's focus on leadership development ensures its graduates thrive in complex environments and are prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation.

West Point’s 47-month experience is full of opportunities to help cadets develop into leaders of character and to forge the memories and connections that are a hallmark of the Long Gray Line.

West Point graduates go on to serve as leaders of character in many walks of life both in and out of uniform - and are part of the most highly connected alumni body in the world.

Prospective parents also have questions and are invited to participate in the campus tour!

Parent-focused events are part of daily and overnight* tours and include the following:

  • Participate in Admissions Information Brief
  • Q&A session with West Point Parent Communications
  • Parents' tour of the campus
  • Q&A session with an admissions officer

*If your child is attending an overnight tour, you are welcome to explore the Hudson Valley and its many attractions. 

Consider exploring the Hudson Valley & Orange County Tourism website  for places to go and things to do!

For questions or more information, call (845) 615-3860 or visit the Orange County website.

More ideas about things to do in the Hudson Valley:

 

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Join a Parent Club

WPAOG Parent Resources

Resources for Parents of New Cadets

As your cadet prepares to begin their USMA journey, we recognize this is a time of great pride, anticipation, and adjustment for families. This page is here to help you understand what to expect before and during Reception Day (R-Day), as well as in the early weeks of Plebe Year. From calendars and communication tips to key events involving parents, you'll find the tools and information needed to stay informed and involved during this first year.

Reception Day (R-Day) marks the beginning of your cadet’s West Point journey. In the weeks leading up to R-Day, help your cadet focus on physical fitness, time management, and mental resilience. Ensure they have completed all required paperwork and packing checklists provided by the academy. Encourage them to spend quality time with family and rest - R-Day is a life-changing experience that starts a demanding but rewarding path.

Reception Day, or R-Day, is an emotional and momentous day when new cadets report to West Point, say goodbye to family, and begin their transformation into Army officers. Throughout the day, they are issued uniforms, receive haircuts, complete paperwork, and start learning the basics of military life. While it can be a bittersweet moment for families, it’s also a proud milestone - the first step toward a challenging and rewarding future in service to the nation.

Cadet Basic Training (CBT), often called "Beast," is the rigorous six-week training program all new cadets undergo after arriving at West Point. Designed to develop physical fitness, military skills, and mental toughness, CBT is the foundation of their transformation from civilian to cadet. It’s intense and demanding, with long days filled with drills, field training, and leadership instruction. While it can be a challenging period of adjustment, it also instills discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of teamwork - setting the stage for success in the Corps of Cadets and beyond.

March Back is a 14-mile hike that marks the end of Cadet Basic Training - symbolizing the hard work and determination of new cadets. A few days later, on Acceptance Day, they officially join the Corps of Cadets in a ceremonial event, proudly taking their place at West Point.

Please know cadets have access to a variety of support all around the academy. Cadets are encouraged to reach out for help and to use the many resources available and to help others when the need arises.

The USMA mission is “to build, educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation.” Recognizing the circle of support is important during the cadet’s West Point experience.

You play a vital role in your cadet’s success. These resources can help you encourage and support them throughout Plebe Year and beyond:

For parents, West Point Parent Clubs are a great resource. They facilitate communication between the academy and often promote West Point, assisting the academy with its recruitment efforts and providing camaraderie to parents of cadets. Please join your local Parents Club. 

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Still Have Questions?

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Resources for Parents of Current Cadets

The cadet journey at USMA is both demanding and transformative. Each year brings new challenges, greater responsibilities, and growth opportunities. As a parent or guardian, your continued support and understanding are invaluable.

To help you stay informed and connected, we’ve compiled information from across West Point that offers insight into cadet life and the progression through each academic and military year. Whether your cadet is in their first year or preparing to graduate, these resources are here to support you and enhance your understanding of the West Point experience.

We have worked to compile information from across the academy to help you have a better understanding of West Point and cadet life. The opportunities for the cadets are endless. 

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Contact Us

We encourage open communication between parents and cadets. Please keep in mind this is an education and military experience. It is important to understand your cadet is responsible for navigating much of it on his or her own.

Visiting West Point

Parent Event Information