The Grad March Back is generally held in August each year, starting and ending on USMA grounds at West Point. Exact dates are announced once the academy’s summer training schedule is finalized.

Registration typically opens a few months before the March Back. Keep an eye on official West Point channels or sign up for notifications. Once registration is live, you’ll receive an email with a direct link to the form.

Registration is typically reserved for West Point graduates, traditionally referred to as "Old Grads," and their families. However, eligibility details can vary year to year; some iterations may allow additional guests or special invitees. Check the latest guidelines when registration opens.

Depending on the year’s logistics, there may be a registration fee to cover items like meals, transportation, or commemorative gear. Fee details are clarified when sign-ups begin.

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.

The March Back involves a considerable distance over varied terrain. Participants should be in good physical condition. It’s advisable to engage in regular aerobic exercise and strength training leading up to the event.

All participants that will be 60 years of age or older during the event must provide medical clearance from a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant. Note, this is not required for those participating in the 2-mile Short March.

Many graduates plan mini-reunions around the March Back. In some years, the West Point Association of Graduates hosts additional events. Specific details on any scheduled gatherings will be published closer to the event date.

Cancellation policies vary year to year. If you find you cannot attend, notify the organizers as soon as possible. Any applicable refund or credit information will be outlined in the registration materials.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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 the day of the event.
• If you would like DAA to request a pass for you, please fill out the required form by the specified deadline.
  • 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