Acceptance of the new plebe class into the Corps occurs at the end of summer training. At this time, the plebe class is accepted into the Corps by joining the three upper classes in their companies in a ceremonial parade during Reorganization Week. The Corps marches onto The Plain and the plebe class, organized by company, marches on separately. On command, the plebes then march across the plain and join their companies. After this ceremony, the plebes are no longer addressed as New Cadet but rather as Cadet signifying that they have been accepted into the Long Gray Line.

2005 class A-day article 

========== The following was written by Megan Hostler on 7/12/07===========

Acceptance Day is a red letter day for all new cadets, as that is the day that they will be officially welcomed in to the Corps of Cadets, receiving their white hats .. and losing the title "new cadet". Granted, they will be plebes, which on the cadet feeding chain, is still on the lowest rung, but it's a huge improvement from being a "new cadet" - the lowest of the low ;o)

The Acceptance Parade is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. and is open to the public. There is no reserved parking, no reserved parking passes, and no reserved sections in the parade stands for parents.

The days before Acceptance Day (Reorganization Week) are very busy and yes, very stressful times for new cadets. By the end of Cadet Basic Training (CBT or "Beast") they've formed cohesive units and by and large, it's 10 - 12 of "them" against the squad leader. Enter Reorganization Week, and the entire Corps has returned from summer duties - and it's three of "them" to each new cadet. Lots of "friendly" assistance from upperclassmen, lots of new issue points (computers, printers, phones, school books, etc), scurry and hurry to move in to new barracks rooms ... and oh, yeah ... clean it to a spit and polish for inspection ... all before Acceptance Day.

After the parade, the plebes will enjoy a well deserved rest - and the opportunity to visit with friends and family. Not travel anywhere, mind you ... but to stretch out, perhaps on a picnic blanket down at South Dock, and enjoy home cooked food - or walk / ride in to Highland Falls or Fort Montgomery and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in town.

What are the parameters of walking privileges (the privileges that the plebes will enjoy on Saturday afternoon / evening and on Sunday)? Very short -

To the north: Washington Gate (in other words, you can't go anywhere north of West Point. Not to Cornwall, not to New Windsor, and certainly not to Newburgh)

To the east: The westerly bank of the Hudson River (in other words, don't dangle your toes off the dock)

To the west: The easterly side of Route 9W South, with the exception that cadets traveling in cars may ride down the westerly side of Route 9W South to go to an establishment that fronts on Route 9W

To the south: The Bear Mountain Bridge Circle - cadets may travel part way around the circle to gain access to Bear Mountain State Park, but may not cross the bridge, nor travel any further south.

Short tether ... but such freedoms will be much appreciated! In addition, there is a limited exception permitting cadets to go out to Round Pond, which is on the greater West Point reservation - it's a recreation area out Route 293 about 2 miles from Route 9W.

When on walking privileges, cadets must remain in complete uniform at all times .. The uniform will be white over gray (white shirt over gray trousers).

Most families bring picnic gear or purchase picnic type sandwiches in town and just enjoy the time together ... It's unscheduled and relaxed ... just what they need after the stressors of CBT ... and oh, how quickly and soundly they will fall asleep (yes, even standing up).

For those cadets whose parents are not able to come out for Acceptance Day - worry not, dear parents, as your son / daughter will have many invitations to join other families and will be well looked after.

Megan Hostler