United States Military Academy West Point - Howitzer Yearbook (West Point, NY)

Page 33 text:

Beast Barracks Had Begun. Our sidelong glances at the Fascinating ii:his which were encountered on that first day were soon confined to what was direct!) to our front. Each one of us had a dif- ferent idea of what Plebe Year would be like, hut we were all assured by our friends and families at home that if we could make il through the first year everything would be rosy from then on. So. on 5 July 1955. with varied emotions we double-timed up on the stoops and shouted ' Sir, New Cadet Zilch reports to the First Sergeant of First New Cadet Compan) for the first time as ordered. The trial Gooda fit! Take it home!

Page 32 text:

Posture, Faces, and Clothes Changed We meet our hosts ... I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected for admission and are authorized to report to the United Slates Militan Academy, West Point. N.Y. on 5 July 1955. You will find helpful information in the en- closed instructions about transportation, baggage, funds, and other matters pertaining to admission.

Page 34 text:

A thorough understanding Dismounted drill on the Plain — there are many more to con . . . And for these first two months we were subjected to a great deal of valuable training massed under the head- ing of Reast Barracks. We soon learned that the title was appropriate and found it quite difficult to be optimistic toward the next eleven months. It was a rare individual, however, who found time to think much about his troubles, for every waking hour was occupied. The theme of our I raining was centered around formations . . . reveille for- mations, meal formations, drill formations, athletic for- mations, stoops formations, and shower formations. It Throughout July, the Training Continued.