What advice would you give a junior enlisted soldier accepted into West Point?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 16:34:45 -0500

I report to USMA on June 30th. While this is a great honor and I am humbled beyond belief, I wonder how my prior service, limited as it is, will affect my experience at the Academy.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2019 5:12 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 17:12:34 -0500

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Here is a link to a previous Post to review. Type "West Point" in the Search bar above, hit enter, and then click on "Answers" to find other West Point Posts. Your experience as an enlisted service member provides you with insight that others do not have, and may help prepare you to be a great Leader.

Congratulations on being accepted to West Point. In your spare time, do as much research as you can. At West Point, listen, be observant, and be squared away at all times. Please keep us posted. Good luck.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-west-point-like-for-school-and-what-is-west-point-like-for-someone-who-is-enlisted-switching-to-commissioned

What is West Point like for school and what is West Point like for someone who is enlisted...

A couple days ago i received a email to recive a fullly paid for opportunity to stop my enlisted contract go to West Point and then commission as a 2LT. I am curious on others opinons that have gone to West Point or switched from the Enlisted side to Commissioned side. Any advice or opinion is appreciated

Response by LTC Nathan Bond made Feb 3 at 2019 8:47 PM

LTC Nathan Bond — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 20:47:31 -0500

It will be like going through BCT again. Just grin and bear it, and regardless of how stupid you know it is bite your tongue and drive on.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 3 at 2019 10:26 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 22:26:20 -0500

Having done both Beast Barracks and Boot, you're in for an interesting ride. There will be a bunch of stuff to memorize and shout out precisely on demand. Room and gear always perfect. Parade ready on Sundays for sure. You'll be always kept on the move. Live in the moment and don't look at a calendar. Just remember how you eat an elephant... one bite at a time. Your time in already can help or hurt you. Your choice. My advice is to wipe your slate clean as they are molding you into something different again. As they say, embrace the suck. Good luck son.

Response by COL John McClellan made Feb 4 at 2019 9:20 AM

COL John McClellan — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 09:20:24 -0500

Work hard, listen, observe, help new Cadets where you can (with your knowledge of the Army and how to do stuff that is all new to the rest of them) and never, never quit! Keep your head down and any frustrations in check. It's starting over.

Response by Sgt Lee Dutra made Apr 20 at 2022 1:51 PM

Sgt Lee Dutra — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 13:51:28 -0400

Go!