Word: cadets
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Even with its irrationalities, cadets say that the fourth class system is important because it separates West Point from other colleges. "Beast" is necessary, they say, for it helps them to adapt to a military environment--something they function within for at least five years following graduation. People who come to West Point in search of the "free education"--cadets actually receive half a second lieutenant's pay during their four years--don't usually stay around. The attrition rate hovers at 25 per cent. "No one comes just for the education," says one cadet who wants...
...vast majority of rules are still enforced and the list of taboos is long. Each class is given a demerit ceiling for each month; going over the linit earns a cadet several hours of "walking the area," a practice of being forced to dress in formal uniform, mount rifle upon shoulder and walk back and forth in the courtyard. If you skip a class, you automatically "walk...
Breaking rules which tread what one cadet calls "the fine gray line" between the "honor code" and regulations brings harsher punishments. Last year, Fullerton was caught drinking wine in his room and was slapped with 30 hours of "walking" in return. It would have taken months to work it off, he says, but under a little-know academy rule which states that a visiting head of state can grant amnesty for "walking" cadets, a stopover by the Queen of Thailand cut it short...
...academic side of a cadet's life is equally disciplined and regulated. Cadets take 40 courses--31 are required. Although major fields do not exist as such, eight of the remaining nine "electives" must be taken within one's chosen field of expertise. Physical soldiering is confined to summer months--training camp before yearling (sophomore) year, field training in places like Alaska or Panama before becoming a cow (junior)--but a hefty portion of the curriculum is devoted to technical training. The honor code scandal of three years ago was sparked by a take-home exam in "juice" (electrical engineering...
...WEST POINT honor code over-shadows everything. "A cadet will not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do." That code, which brought the academy into the public eye and exposed it to criticism from the media and the government, has been moderated. Under the eye of Superintendent Gen. Andrew Goodpaster, the code has been reduced to its essentials, but many say reforms are still necessary. Cadets are asked to sign the statement, "This is a product of my own work," on any paper, test or lab, or admit aid if they received...