WEST POINT – The U.S. Military Academy will welcome more than 1,225 candidates from every state in the nation over three days from June 26-28.
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 Cadet Basic Training and the first day of their transition from civilian to new cadet as a member of the Class of 2025.
More than 1,225 U.S. citizens and 16 international students, including 302 women, 504 minorities, and 10 combat veterans, will report to the academy.
“Once again, our entering class is comprised of stellar young people and I’ve never been more impressed than I am with the caliber of student entering West Point with the Class of 2025,” said Director of Admissions Col. Deborah McDonald.
The incoming class was selected from a pool of nearly 14,000 applicants. Minority enrollment, roughly 41 percent, includes 186 African Americans, 149 Hispanic Americans, 137 Asian-Americans, 18 Native Americans, and 14 Native Hawaiian\Pacific Islanders.
“These young patriots are coming here to devote themselves to becoming custodians of Duty, Honor, Country and our United States Constitution,” said McDonald. “Their robust performances in academics, athletics, leadership in a persistent COVID-19 environment show they have the necessary foundation for successful completion of a challenging 47-month West Point experience. They represent our nation’s promise of the future.”
The Class of 2025 includes 16 international students entering under the sponsorship of their respective countries. The countries represented include Bosnia Herzegovina, Georgia (2), Jordan, Kosovo, Montenegro, Niger, Peru, Philippines (2), Poland, Qatar, Romania, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. Upon graduation, these cadets will return to their countries as officers in their armed forces.
Each cohort will carry out the same requirements and tasks that are traditional of R-day. They undergo administrative processing, are fitted with their initial military clothing issue, receive haircuts, undergo medical and physical evaluations, and begin their first lessons in marching, military courtesy, and discipline. On June 29 at 9 a.m., the class of 2025 will stand on the Plain to take the Oath of Allegiance from the Commandant of Cadets, Brig. Gen. Mark Quander.
To view the oath ceremony, visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheWestPointChannel
New cadets will complete six weeks of Cadet Basic Training, learning the basic skills of the Soldier. They will participate in rigorous physical training, small-unit tactical training, and rifle marksmanship, as well as learn to respond quickly and accurately to their commanders under conditions of mental and physical stress. At the end of this initial training period, new cadets will be formally accepted into the Corps of Cadets. The Acceptance Day Parade for the Class of 2025 is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, August 14.
