Cadet Basic Training begins on Reception Day (R-Day) in June. The new cadet reports to Michie (pronounced Mikey) Stadium, and after a short greeting, is given 90 seconds to say good-bye to their family. The new cadets are marched across the stadium floor, and begin to live life as a New West Point Cadet.
Within 2 hours of arrival, new cadets report to the "Cadet in the Red Sash" for in-processing instructions. In just 8 short hours, the cadet chain of command will in-process approx. 1200 new cadets, wherein you will receive vaccinations, gear, and clothing. You will begin to learn to stand, march, and behave like a West Point Cadet. The day concludes with a full review that includes new cadets receiving the cadet oath and passing in review. During the day, the family members of cadets have been provided an opportunity to see West Point, and hear the Superintendent speak. At the end of the day, they can view their new cadet in a "Pass In Review". In this one day, it is already apparent that the new cadets have begun to make the transition from civilians to Army soldiers.
The following weeks include:
By the end of CBT, the new cadet will have completed several 3-mile, 6-mile, and 8-mile road marches with full equipment to prepare new cadets for the 12-mile road march out to Lake Frederick and a 15-mile road march back at the end of the second detail.
