A diverse class of cadets will report to West Point next Monday for Reception Day, including 301 women and 207 African-Americans — both numbers representing historic highs for the Army's military academy.
More than 1,230 cadets, chosen from a pool of nearly 13,000 applicants, will report to the academy in New York, according to a press release from West Point.
In addition to a historically large number of women and African-American cadets, the Class of 2021 also will include 121 Hispanics, 108 Asians and 14 Native Americans. Also in the mix are more than a dozen international students and seven combat veterans.
"The quality and rich diversity of our students entering with the Class of 2021 is exceptional and representative of our nation's best," said Col. Deborah McDonald, West Point's director of admissions. "Their strong performances in academics, leadership, athletics, and as respected members of their communities provides the necessary foundation for successful completion of a challenging 47-month West Point experience and for future service to our nation as commissioned leaders of character."
The Class of 2021 includes cadets from every state and international students from Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Liberia, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, officials said.
During Reception Day, the new cadets begin the process of becoming West Point cadets and future Army officers. They undergo administrative processing, are fitted with their initial issue of military clothing, get haircuts and medical and physical evaluations, and begin their first lessons in marching, military courtesy and discipline, according to the academy.
At the end of their first day, the cadets will take the Oath of Allegiance from Brig. Gen. Steve Gilland, West Point's commandant of cadets.
New cadets will complete six weeks of Cadet Basic Training, where they will participate in physical training, small-unit tactical training and rifle marksmanship.
The cadets will be formally accepted into the Corps of Cadets at the end of this initial training period, during the Acceptance Day Parade. This year's parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 19.
