Approximately 1,270 cadet candidates, including 280 women, 425 minorities, 17 international cadets, and 13 combat veterans reported to West Point on June 29, Reception Day, for the West Point Class of 2019.
During Reception Day, new cadets begin the process of becoming West Point cadets & future U.S. Army officers. They undergo administrative processing, are fitted with their initial issue of military clothing, receive haircuts, and medical and physical evaluations, and begin their first lessons in marching, military courtesy, and discipline. As their first day ends, the Class of 2019 will stand before many parents and friends on the Plain to take the Oath of Allegiance from the U.S. Military Academy Commandant of Cadets, Brig. Gen. John C. Thomson, III.
New cadets will now 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 2019 is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m.
The incoming class was selected from a pool of nearly 16,000 applicants. The Class of 2019 includes cadets from every state in the nation and 17 international cadets entering the class under the sponsorship of their respective countries.
“The Class of 2019 epitomizes the depth and breadth of interest from our youth across America for service to our nation. They represent our nation’s promise for the future and I am humbled at their accomplishments. The Class of 2019 has record numbers of leaders, athletes, women and minorities admitted this year from previous years,” said Col. Deborah McDonald, director of admissions. “Their exceptional performance in academics, leadership, athletics, and the Army has been outstanding and provides the foundation for successful completion of the challenging West Point experience and service to our nation as a commissioned leader of character.”
“These young men and women are coming here to devote themselves to becoming guardians of Duty, Honor, Country – the West Point motto – and our United States Constitution. We are so very proud to have them begin the journey to join the Long Gray Line,” McDonald continued.
At the end of the day, new cadets parade in review for the Superintendent, and the Commandant administers the RECEPTION DAY OATH OF ALLEGIANCE: “I, (Name), do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and bear true allegiance to the National Government; that I will maintain and defend the sovereignty of the United States, paramount to any and all allegiance, sovereignty, or fealty I may owe to any State or Country whatsoever; and that I will at all times obey the legal orders of my superior officers, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” View Pictures on Facebook
