Attention Class of 2029!
 ⏳ R-Day for the Class of 2029 is right around the corner, only 17 days away! We are excited to welcome you to West Point and the start of your new cadet's 47-month journey. Follow along for key updates, and don't forget to check the West Point Parents Webpage for official information.
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  To the Parents, Families, and Friends of the Class of 2029:
Reception Day for your cadet candidate is rapidly approaching. In just a couple of weeks, your cadet candidate will begin their transition from civilian to cadet, entering the Profession of Arms. We understand that sending your child to West Point is a moment of immense pride—accompanied by understandable questions, concerns, and emotions. Please rest assured that your cadet candidate will be in good hands.
Our mission at the United States Military Academy is to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation. This mission reflects West Point’s core purpose: to develop leaders of character who are ready to serve and lead in defense of the nation. During their four years at West Point, your cadet candidate will be challenged and will grow in ways that few experiences can offer. As your loved one navigates their cadet journey, know that your cadet candidate will not go through it alone. They will be surrounded by fellow classmates, experienced upperclassmen, civilian staff and faculty, and a cadre of officers and non-commissioned officers dedicated to their leadership development and well-being.
We also recognize the vital role you play and will continue to play in supporting your cadet candidate. Your support and encouragement, though sometimes from afar, will be more important than ever. Letters, words of affirmation, and your belief in them will provide strength through the challenges ahead. During Cadet Basic Training, we encourage you to show your support through letter writing.
In the remaining days you have with your loved ones, you can help prepare your candidate. First, remind them to keep up their physical training! West Point summers are hot and military training is challenging. Maintaining fitness and readiness for the physical demands of the summer is important and reduces risk. Moreover, you can encourage them to read FM 1 (The Army: A Primer to Our Profession of Arms). Each cadet candidate received a letter from me communicating the requirement to read this important, foundational Army document. Engage with them and make sure they are ready to discuss the reading on their arrival.
Finally, for academy updates and more information we suggest visiting the parents’ page at Information for Parents | United States Military Academy West Point and subscribing with your email to the parents’ digital newsletter at West Point Parent Insider. In the months and years to come, you will watch your cadet candidate grow as a leader of character. Their journey will be marked by perseverance, pride, teamwork, and purpose. And while there will be difficult moments, there will also be milestones and memories that you and your family will treasure forever.
Duty, Honor, Country!
R.J. GARCIA
Brigadier General, USA
Commandant of Cadets
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