Cadets at West Point Reception Day in 2023 (West Point Academy/U.S. Army)
The United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., will welcome 1,246 cadets Monday as the Class of 2028 begins a summer of basic training.
Cadets in the class of 2028 were selected among over 12,000 applicants. They will report to West Point for Reception Day, where they will be fitted into military uniform, receive haircuts, undergo physical and medical evaluations, and participate in their first training sessions on military discipline and courtesy.
This year’s class includes 280 women, 445 cadets from minority backgrounds and 16 international students. Hailing from 15 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the international students will serve in their country’s armed forces upon graduation.
“Their (new cadets) exceptional performance in academics, athletics and leadership has been remarkable and provides the foundation for successful completion of the demanding 47-month West Point experience and for service to our nation as a commissioned leader of character,” said Director of Admissions Lt. Col. Rance Lee.
At the day’s conclusion, standing in front of their friends and family, cadets will take the Oath of Allegiance from Brig. Gen. R.J. Garcia, West Point’s Commandant of Cadets. This ceremony will be livestreamed online on July 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Cadets then spend the summer completing six weeks of basic training, which involves physical strength training, tactical training and rifle marksmanship.
When basic training is completed, cadets are formally accepted into the Corp of Cadets at the Acceptance Day Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled for Aug. 17.
The long list of West Point alumni includes two U.S. presidents, four five-star generals, 21 NASA astronauts and 76 medal of honor recipients.
U.S. Air Force Academy: The Class of 2028 arrived at the school for in-processing day on June 26. There are 1,132 new cadets; about 30% are women.
U.S. Naval Academy: About 1,200 men and women reported to Alumni Hall on June 27 for Induction Day.
Coast Guard Academy: The academy on Monday welcomed members of the Class of 2028 onto campus for the start of their seven-week swab summer induction.
A member of the Coast Guard Academy Class of 2028 smiles with her family during Day One at the Academy, New London, Conn., July 1, 2024. Day One marks the official start of the Coast Guard Academy Cadet program, a 200-week journey toward a commission as an officer. (Taylor Bacon/U.S. Coast Guard)
