2022 West Point R-Day Class of 2026: 90 Second Goodbyes, Reporting to Cadet in Red Sash, Taking Oath

On June 27, 2022 the United States Military Academy Class of 2026 arrived at West Point for R-Day.
The 1,200 prospective cadets coming from all 50 states and several allied countries were directed with their family to Eisenhower Hall.
After a brief greeting from a senior officer they were told they had 90 seconds to say their goodbyes, then directed to enter a door that will change their lives for ever.
We followed groups on Cadet cabdidates through various stations where they receive uniforms and equipment, signed contracts and take an oath, then the penultimate "Reporting to Cadet in Red Sash".
Later they were marched by upper classmates instructors onto the famed Plain cheered by family and friends in the stands. The Commandant of Cadets directed the New Cadets to again raise their right hand and take the Oath for a second time on the day.
The Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville then gave an address recognizing them on,
"Taking a path more challenging then many of your peers".
The New Cadets then begin a grueling six weeks of Cadet Basic Training known as Beast Barracks.
On Monday August 8, the Class of 2026 will complete CBT with the traditional March Back from Camp Buckner being recognized in front of the Superintendent's House. The Class will then present their Class Motto.
On Saturday August 13th the Class will be formally admitted nto the Corps of Cadets at the Acceptance Day Parade. Classes will begin the following week.
Video by Ken Kraetzer of CAMMVETS Media.

[@kenwest6300]

These young people are to be praised for their dedication to our country. As I begin the twilight of my days, this warms my spirit, may God watch over them, protect them, and shine His glory on them.

[@bermudabourne3688]

So proud of these young mean and women. And especially my grandson who is in this vid! What a delicious surprise.

[@maritzajackson5950]

Great video...my son John M. Jackson is class of 2026. I volunteered to help prepare for theses new cadets...an experience of a lifetime. So proud of theses new cadets. Seeing the "Long Gray Line" gets me everytime. Thank you for making this.

[@flyerbob124]

Renews my faith in the younger generation. They all should be very proud.

[@DaleBrose]

It's always fun to watch cadets leading cadets and learning about leadership. I always enjoyed working with and serving along side all those shiny new 2LTs in my active duty days. They were so excited and eager to learn once they got to that first duty assignment. I had the opportunity to serve with a lot of great, and some not so great, junior officers. But I have to be honest, the best ones I can recall were prior enlisted that went to OCS. All I can say to any young officer is lead with humility and be open to what senior enlisted have to teach and lead by example, not by the rank you have on your collar. Heck, I don't even know, does today's ARMY still wear rank on the collar?

[@TheInfantry98]

No

[@jephrokimbo9050]

Could not help but notice the inclusion of Drill Sergeants, Medics and other Non-Commissioned Officers in the background as well as Tactical Officers in many of these video clips. Nice to see that the Upper Classmen of Firsties and Cows are still in the leadership positions within the Corps of Cadets.

[@KGKraetzerMedia]

Yes the Army sent a number of Trainers, drill sets to assist and supervise, cadets were leading.

[@jephrokimbo9050]

@@KGKraetzerMedia Good. I only remember the medics assigned to each Beast Cadet Company along with the Tactical NCO's and the Tactical Officers. Also, remember Active Duty soldiers from the 101st Airborne from Fort Campbell, Kentucky conducting the field training exercises, basic rifle marksmanship and land navigation exercises. Sergeant First Class Michael T Etheridge was my TAC NCO and Captain Richard Chapman was my TAC Officer. Both good soldiers and good gentleman but never knew what happened to them afterwards.

[@1MustardSeed]

My son in your video! Thank you!

[@jonahjameson272]

Good luck to all of them

[@Plasticmercenary]

Will you guys be covering the class of 2026 march back tomorrow??

[@jimmurphy8804]

Doesn't compare to Plebe Summer in Annapolis, IMHO.

[@KGKraetzerMedia]

How is plebe summer at USNA more difficult, they don't call it Beast Barracks?

[@jimmurphy8804]

@@KGKraetzerMedia you had to be there. Both have been watered down significantly.

[@jimmurphy8804]

@@KGKraetzerMedia I appreciated the video. It was excellent.

[@barbarahurley6733]

Great Video my grandson, is in C-2!!! Go Army Beat Navy

[@jameshimes3657]

What is this oath ? fealty to the national government above all else ? how about protecting the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic ?

[@belmarmom]

I noticed that too.

[@TheAncientColossus]

Cadet Oath

[@NineInchTyrone]

Lions led by donkeys

[@rulerofearth424]

The u.s woke army ☠

[@KGKraetzerMedia]

The Army is certainly not. Like to see you go this training regiment.

[@rulerofearth424]

@@KGKraetzerMedia I would nvr fight for a country that let's blm burn its city's and let's anyone of color commit crime ND let them get off Scott free or ight with weak transgenders I have respect for the old u.s army the one my dad ,grandpa and uncle fought and died for 🇺🇸 sir