Essential resources and support for Alabama families throughout the West Point journey — from application to graduation and beyond.
The Academy provides several key resources for candidates and families navigating the admissions process:
West Point's Field Force is made up of Military Academy Liaison Officers (MALOs), Points Only Liaison Officers (POLOs), and Military Academy Admissions Representatives (MAARs) — Army Reserve officers and volunteers assigned to guide candidates through the admissions and nomination process. To find your assigned liaison, apply or log in at apply.westpoint.edu.
We have a dedicated page with more information about the Field Force and our local liaisons — visit our Parent Communications page to learn more.
West Point Admissions — Timeline and milestones for the full application process
Admissions Team — Meet the admissions staff and regional representatives
Admissions@westpoint.edu — (845) 938-4041, have a representative contact you directly
Congressional Nominations & Alabama Contacts — Nomination process, categories, and Alabama delegation contacts
If you need help connecting with your local Field Force liaison or navigating the nomination process, contact our club at info@bamablackknights.org and we'll help point you in the right direction.
Cadet Basic Training, universally known as "Beast," is six weeks of intensive military training that begins on R-Day (Reception Day). Beast culminates in the March Back — a roughly 12-mile ruck march from the Lake Frederick training area back to West Point — followed by Acceptance Day, when new cadets formally join the Corps of Cadets. Here are key resources:
West Point Gateway for Parents — What to expect during R-Day and Cadet Basic Training
R-Day: Class of 2030 — Official Reception Day schedule and details
Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) — Physical fitness requirements and how to prepare
During Beast, cadets have limited communication privileges, and new cadets cannot receive packages — only letters in plain white envelopes. Our Parents Club coordinates care package drives so your cadet knows Alabama is supporting them the moment they can receive one.
West Point does not charge tuition, room, or board — and because it is federally funded, it has no traditional financial aid office. Here's what families should still understand:
The Academy provides full tuition, room and board, medical and dental care, and a monthly stipend for cadets in exchange for a minimum five-year active-duty service commitment after graduation. However, there are initial out-of-pocket costs for uniforms, computers, and other supplies that are deducted from the cadet's pay during their first year.
New cadets should expect several thousand dollars in initial expenses during their first year, deducted from their monthly pay. This covers:
• Uniforms and military equipment
• Computer and software
• Textbooks and academic supplies
• Miscellaneous fees
Cadets cannot accept external scholarships that would pay them directly. However, some organizations offer one-time gifts or support. Contact the Admissions Office with questions about specific scholarship offers.
Understanding the medical qualification process and ongoing health support:
Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board — Handles all medical qualification exams
All service academy candidates must pass a medical examination administered by DoDMERB. The process begins after you receive your candidate number. If you receive a disqualification, you may be eligible for a waiver.
All cadets receive comprehensive medical and dental care at the Academy. The Mologne Cadet Health Clinic provides primary on-site care for the Corps of Cadets, with Keller Army Community Hospital nearby for specialty and inpatient needs, and cadets have access to mental health services and counseling.
If you receive a medical disqualification, work closely with your Field Force liaison and medical providers to gather supporting documentation for a waiver request. Many common conditions are waiverable.
You're not alone on this journey. Here are resources to connect with other West Point families:
West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) — Official alumni and parent organization
WPAOG Parent Resources — Directory of West Point Parents Clubs and Class parent groups nationwide
Connect with current and former cadet families for support, advice, and community.
• Reception Day (R-Day) — Drop off your new cadet and witness the Oath Ceremony
• Acceptance Day (A-Day) — End of Beast, marked by the March Back, as cadets formally join the Corps
• Parent-Plebe Weekend — Spring reunion weekend for families to reconnect with their Plebe
• Recognition — Plebes transition into the Corps as upperclass cadets
• Ring Weekend — Firstie-year milestone celebrating class rings
• Graduation Week — Culmination of four years at the Academy
Frederic V. Malek West Point Visitors Center — Plan your trip to West Point, NY
The Academy welcomes visitors year-round. The Visitors Center offers guided tours and is adjacent to the West Point Museum. Note that access to cadet areas requires proper credentials and coordination.
The Academy's rigorous academic program challenges even the strongest students:
Academic Programs Overview — Majors and curriculum information
Academic Calendar — Important dates and breaks
All cadets complete a core curriculum plus their chosen major across engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Cadets have access to tutoring, academic coaching, writing centers, and faculty office hours. The Academy wants cadets to succeed and provides robust support systems for those who seek help.
Cadets may validate (test out of) courses based on AP scores, IB credits, or validation testing. Successfully validating courses allows cadets to pursue advanced coursework or additional majors/minors.