Cadet Lauren Drysdale ’23 has been selected First Captain of the Corps of Cadets for the 2022-23 academic year, achieving the highest position in the cadet chain of command. Most recently, Drysdale served as the Cadet Basic Training regimental command sergeant major. She was instrumental in transforming the new cadets of the Class of 2026 during their Cadet Basic Training. As First Captain, Drysdale is responsible for the overall performance of the approximately 4,400 member Corps of Cadets. Read more. Class of ’23 key leader positions.

The Class of 2024 affirmed their commitment to service on August 14, taking the Oath of Affirmation. Members of the Class of 1974, the 50-year Affiliation class, presented the cadets with commemorative coins to mark the occasion. Ambassador Matthew S. Klimow ’74 was the guest speaker for the evening. Photos.

 

The United States Corps of Cadets assembled on the Plain for the Acceptance Day Parade and to officially welcome the Class of 2026 into the Long Gray Line. Congratulations to the proud family and friends of the newest plebes. Photos.

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2026, who concluded their Cadet Basic Training with a foot march from Lake Frederick to West Point! West Point graduates joined the new cadets for their March Back, including graduates from their 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1976. The new cadets displayed a banner featuring their newly created class motto, “For Country We Commit.” Members of the Class of 2026 were officially accepted into the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day parade on August 13. Photos. Video.

Congratulations to the five August graduates of the Class of 2022! LTC(R) Jack Buttine of the 50-Year Affiliation Class of 1972 handed each graduate a set of commemorative second lieutenant bars engraved with “72-22.” Hats off to our latest graduates of the Class of 2022!

The Class of 2026 competed in the Crucible at Lake Frederick, wrapping up their Cadet Basic Training before their march back to West Point. Each cadet platoon had two hours to navigate to different lanes and complete three tasks, racking up as many points as possible in the allotted time. The locations farther out in the course were worth more points, but cadets had to manage their time because if they arrived after the two hours, their platoon would receive no points. Tasks included the buddy carry, properly throwing a grenade, properly reacting to an NBC threat, and completing a litter carry. Photos.

The Academy values Margin of Excellence supported opportunities such as sports teams, choirs, academic clubs, and religious groups. Clubs and activities allow cadets to learn from one another and give cadets a chance to practice the character and leadership skills instilled through their training and studies. Cadet clubs are vital leadership labs, calling for many of the same abilities expected of our combat leaders: the ability to coordinate logistics, manage budgets, maintain equipment, deploy and redeploy safely, and win. There are nearly 140 cadet clubs at West Point including athletic, recreational, academic, religious, hobby, and diversity clubs – something for virtually every interest, made possible by the Margin of Excellence.

Cadets Claudia Schuh ’23, Liam Dowd ’23, Evelyn Pickett ’23, Dylan Lyons ’24, and Jazmyne Drakes ’23, along with Ms. Millie Canter, just returned from an Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) in Brasov, Romania with Projects Abroad. Over the course of the three-week trip, the group helped renovate the home of a family in the Roma community, taught English to Ukrainian refugee children, volunteered in an animal shelter, and worked in a local daycare. Opportunities like these are made possible by Margin of Excellence donors.

In this episode, Brian Elliott ’14 and Andrew Wolgemuth ’15, Co-Founders of Wove, a 21st century jeweler bringing the jewelry designer directly to couples for custom engagement ring creation. Brian and Andrew discuss how years of military experience are applicable to entrepreneurship and help drive their work and how they’re disrupting the engagement ring industry by changing the way people buy engagement rings. Listen now.

ICYMI: We had Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski ’69 in a sit down with former player, and long-time friend, GEN(R) Robert B. Brown ’81, President and CEO of Association of the United States Army - AUSA National. In this episode, Coach K talks about how he ensures that failure is not a destination, and how accountability helps people become the best version of themselves. He explains how his time at West Point and in the military informed and affected his approach to teaching and coaching. Listen now.

The summer issue explores the many ways in which the Long Gray Line “never forgets.” Read about how West Point graduates honor the legacy of those who gave their lives and how current cadets learn about their legacy through programs like the “Inspiration to Serve” West Point Cemetery Tour and through the many monuments and plaques facilitated by West Point’s Museum, Historical and Memorialization Committee. Also check out coverage of the Class of 2022’s graduation day and this year’s Distinguished Graduate Awards. Read the digital edition now.

What a whirlwind of activities this month with Acceptance Day, Affirmation, the start of school and the upcoming Ring Weekend. There is so much to be proud of at West Point and you deserve a shout out! To celebrate your support, we are setting our caps at a sale! Use coupon code: USMAParent between now and August 28 to save 15% on all our regular stock Army hats and beanies. Shop online 24/7 at WPAOGGiftShop.com, download our app, or give us a call at 800.426.4725 (Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm).