NEWS Center

Volunteer to be a “Cadet Candidate”

Friday, 29 June 2012, 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

“Reception” Day (R-Day) is an annual event held at the United States Military Academy to receive over 1150 incoming New Cadets to West Point initiating the beginning of Cadet Basic Training on the road to becoming a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Each summer the Cadet Leadership at West Point must rehearse this complex process that transforms 1150 civilians into cadets in approximately eight hours. In order to achieve this, the Corps of Cadets needs volunteers from the community to serve as “Cadet Candidates” and go through the process as if they were arriving on “R-Day.”

If you are 12 years of age or older and in good health, please go to the website below to sign up and spend a Friday morning at West Point to be a part of a storied tradition and help West Point prepare for this historic event. There is a lower limit to the age due to the physical, environmental and emotional challenges that volunteers will be put through.

All vehicles that do not have a Department of Defense sticker displayed must enter through Thayer or Stony Gates. Please plan to arrive early due to security searches. All personnel over 12 years of age must be prepared to present valid identification when entering the installation.

Volunteers should be at the IKE Hall no later than 9:30 am on Friday, 29 June 2012. Parking is primarily available. The rehearsal begins promptly at 10:00 am and concludes at approximately 1:00 pm. Participants should dress comfortably in proper seasonal attire, bring a water bottle, and bring one piece of luggage or a duffel bag. Mark luggage with your name to simulate that of a Cadet Candidate reporting.

Lunch will not be provided. You are welcome to bring a snack and carry it in your bag along with a bottle of water if desired; however, you will not be allowed to readily access your bag until the rehearsal is over. Water will be available throughout the rehearsal and the cadets will be aware of the environmental strains on the volunteers. Grant Hall will be open following the rehearsal if volunteers wish to have lunch at West Point.

Upon completion of the rehearsal, light refreshments will be provided and personalized certificates will be awarded at the steps of the Mess Hall.

Your support is greatly appreciated and is a crucial element to the Corps’ success. It is guaranteed to be a fun-filled day that you will remember for years to come.

Please note: If you will be a member of the incoming USMA class of 2016, you may not participate in this event.

If you have any questions after registration please contact Ms. Catherine Weidenhof at (845) 938-8686.