|
|
What can I do to best prepare for Cadet Basic Training?
Answer: during Cadet Basic Training you will face very rigorous physical challenges that require an exceptional level of overall physical fitness, but especially cardio-vascular endurance and leg strength and upper body strength. At the end of Cadet Basic Training you will march thirteen miles over difficult terrain with packs and other equipment weighing over 40 lbs. The heat and humidity common that time of year at West Point add to the challenge.
How can I prepare for this challenge?
Answer: develop cardio-vascular endurance, leg strength and pacing experience. Hike extended distances with a backpack weighing at least 30 pounds. This will also get your feet ready for the stresses they will experience.
Here are guidelines we have developed with feedback from cadets. You can use these to assess and develop your cardio-vascular endurance, leg strength and pacing, to prepare yourself for the physical challenges during the first six weeks at West Point. You will receive from West Point additional recommendations. Understand that the West Point recommendations are written to be used by candidates throughout the U.S., while you are blessed with natures best training ground near your home. The terrain at West Point is similar to the Cascade foothills. You will have plenty of opportunity to make the comparison in person.
- Ascend and descend Mount Si, in North Bend, in less than 4 hours round trip, with a 30 pound pack and good hiking boots. This is slightly over eight miles total.
- Practice the 10K meter run, not sprinting and keeping a level pulse rate.
- Practice 10 and 12 mile trail hikes, for example in Bellevue, in Central Puget Sound and in Washington State. An Army moves on its feet. Most candidates find they suffer from blisters and other foot/ankle/leg problems because they are not accustomed to the level of walking, marching, running, and hiking that they experience at West Point.
- For upper body strength, exercises that involve pulling yourself up with your arms, carrying heavy objects, and dragging heavy objects will all provide good conditioning.
- While we do not promote any commercial activity, the Mountaineers Guide to Conditioning for Outdoor Fitness is an excellent resource for conditioning activities. Especially emphasize those for backpacking and mountain climbing.
In addition, here is an older Physical Preparation Schedule published by the Directorate of Admissions, United States Military Academy, to help Accepted Candidates prepare for Cadet Basic Training. For current information, consult West Point Admissions.
|
|
