WHAT IS RECOGNITION?

From a pure regulations point of view Recognition is the point in
time when a Plebe (Fourth Class Cadet) is promoted from
Cadet Private to Cadet Private First Class. Recognition, however,
has a much deeper meaning than this.

Recognition is a rite of passage. It is the moment in time when a
Plebe ceases to be part of just his own Fourth Class, subject to
constant correction from upperclass cadets for infractions of
Plebe customs, and becomes a full member of the Corps of
Cadets. It is that point in time when he and the other cadets in
the upperclasses cease to exist in worlds apart from each other
and simply become members of the same Corps of Cadets. Prior to
Recognition, which is accomplished by a simple handshake
between the upperclass cadets and the Plebe, the Plebe is required
to address upperclass cadets by their cadet rank and last
name, i.e., Corporal Jones or Lieutenant Smith. Following
Recognition Plebes can address upperclass cadets by their first
name
when those cadets are not performing official duties. The
upperclass becomes simply Bill or John or Carol, etc. Recognition
is
one of the most important days in the life of any cadet. It is a
wonderful affirmation of the fact that the Plebe has completed the
difficult task of negotiating life as a lowly Plebe.

WHEN IS A PLEBE RECOGNIZED?

In the not too distant past Recognition took place at the
conclusion of the Graduation Parade, the afternoon before
graduation
ceremonies for the senior class. Today Recognition takes place at
the Thursday evening supper formation just prior to the
commencement of Spring Break in March. The move of Recognition to
March was made to give the Plebes the opportunity to
get to know another group of cadets more intimately and those are
the seniors (Firsties) who will soon be graduating.

WHAT ACTUALLY GOES ON WHEN THE PLEBES GET
RECOGNIZED?

Prior to Thursday night's dinner formation, the Plebes call
"minutes" for the LAST time. Meanwhile, outside, as the Plebes are
falling in for formation, the upperclass cadets are hazing them
for one last time. This time, however, it is all in fun with the
Plebes
getting in some wisecracks of their own. After formation is
completed, the Plebes line up single file. The uniform of the day
is
Full Dress Gray. With their right glove removed, the upperclass
cadets, starting with the Firsties, begin to file past the Plebes,
shaking the hand of each as they move down the line. The
upperclass cadets introduce themselves by their first name to each
Plebe. This is the actual Recognition ceremony. Afterwards, all
cadets move to the mess hall for dinner. Dinner is finally a very
relaxed friendly affair. Many Plebes will later describe this
evening as one of the best in their lives. For them a huge weight
has
been lifted off their shoulders as they blend into the Corps of
Cadets.

Testimonials:

I happened to be back East on business last week, returning late
last night to Sacramento. I dropped by West Point on
Thursday to see the recognition. Dolf already sent out an E-mail
on what happens during recognition so I will not bore you with
the details, but let me add a few items of interest I picked up
during my observation and in chatting with my son and a couple of
his friends.



As mentioned, prior to the recognition ceremony, which takes place
during dinner formation (6 p.m.), the cadets receive all
kinds of last day hazing from upper class members, most of it in
very good humor.



One hazing action of some humor came during lunch. The upper ranks
at the various tables were sending up the plebes from
their table to touch a mural in Washington Hall where they dine
and then ordered them to return to the table. On their way to
the mural, the plan was for upper class members at various points
to stop the plebes and ask them the usual hazing questions
preventing them from touching the mural. The plebes picked up on
this pretty quick and decided to all storm the mural at once.
With hundreds of plebes marching towards the mural, it overwhelmed
the upper class members stationed to do their hazing.
Many of the plebes were able to touch the wall and return without
being stopped by upper class members. I guess everyone at
the tables got a pretty good laugh out of it.



The second item of interest was observing the actual recognition
ceremony. Without repeating the excellent description already
given of the plebes lining up and the upper class members going
down the line to introduce themselves by first name, I was
impressed with the time and effort the older cadets put into the
recognition ceremony. They would actually stop and talk at
various points, reminiscing about CBT and when they first met the
plebe. In many cases humor was present and it truly was a
happy moment for all -- no one was left out. There was genuine
camaraderie among the cadets -- truly an amazing site that you
cannot find on any other campus. It was impressive. The cadets
were all dressed in full dress gray with no hat.



After shaking hands they all walked off to Washington Hall for
dinner, many with arms around the shoulder of a new "buddy,"
some still shaking hands, some giving high fives. Everyone was in
very good spirits.

What are some gift ideas for Recognition?

I've had quite a few requests to share the suggestions I received
for recognition gifts for our plebes. Here they are:

1. FOOD.

2. The large, personalized, decorated cookie and mylar balloon
from A Piece of Cake and Company. (914)446-5747. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.pieceofcakeandco.com/

3. A large, decorated, personalized sheet cake from the above
business or from another local boodle company.

4. Electronic stuff, coffee pots, etc.

5. A 35mm camera and film.

6. Something (statue, etc.) that represents the company mascot.

7. A pair of Corfam Low Quarters shoes from the PX - @$50. These
don't need polishing and will save your cadet a lot of
time.

8. A tape of the call home after recognition.