Duty · Honor · Country

West Point Parents Clubof Alabama

Supporting West Point families in Alabama through connection, information, and community — helping parents stay informed, involved, and encouraged through every stage of the cadet journey.

Join Our Club Parent Resources

A Strong Support Network

Why Families Choose Our Club

West Point Parents Club of Alabama

At the West Point Parents Club of Alabama, we believe the journey is stronger when families are informed, connected, and supported. Whether your cadet is just beginning the process or preparing for graduation, our goal is to help families navigate the experience with confidence, encouragement, and community.

We are proud to serve as a trusted resource for Alabama families, bringing parents together to share information, celebrate milestones, and support one another throughout the West Point experience.

Support

Family Support

We create a welcoming network for parents and families as they support their cadets through each stage of the West Point journey.

Information

Trusted Updates

We share timely resources and practical information that help families stay informed, prepared, and connected.

Community

Connection

We bring parents together to build lasting relationships, share experiences, and support one another throughout the year.

Involvement

Volunteer Opportunities

From events to outreach to behind-the-scenes support, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.

Parents

Parent Resources

Helpful guidance, links, and updates for families at every stage of the West Point experience.

Events

Upcoming Events

Stay connected through parent socials, club gatherings, dedicated support events, and special milestones.

Leadership

Meet the Team

Get to know the officers and volunteers who serve Alabama's cadet families with care and commitment.

Get Involved

Volunteer

Join us in supporting families, planning events, and creating a strong club community across the state.

Helpful Information

Parent Resources

Admissions

Admissions & Application

We help families navigate the application and nomination process with timely information and useful guidance.

Support

Family Support

Resources designed to help parents understand the experience and support their cadet through each stage of academy life.

Milestones

Key Milestones

Important dates, traditions, and events that matter most to West Point families and cadet support networks.

Academy

Academy Resources

Helpful links and trusted information to keep families connected to official Academy updates and opportunities.

Questions

FAQs

Answers to common questions for new and current families who are navigating the West Point journey.

Contact

Get Connected

A central place to connect with club leadership, ask questions, and learn how to get involved.

The Cadet Journey

Four Years at West Point

Every cadet moves through four class years on the way to commissioning, each with its own name, traditions, and milestones. Here's a quick guide for families new to the journey.

4th Class · Year One

Plebe

Reception Day & Beast

Reception Day (R-Day) marks the start of Cadet Basic Training, known as Beast Barracks. Plebes learn the fundamentals of military life — drill, inspections, Academy history, and the Cadet Prayer.

3rd Class · Year Two

Yearling

Recognition

Recognition each spring marks a Plebe's transition into the Corps as an upperclass cadet. Yearlings take on heavier academics and begin mentoring the newest class.

2nd Class · Year Three

Cow

Branch Selection Begins

Cows step into leadership roles across the Corps and begin the branch selection process that will shape their future Army career field.

1st Class · Year Four

Firstie

Graduation & Commissioning

The final year builds toward Ring Weekend, Branch Night, and Graduation — the moment a cadet becomes a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

A West Point Tradition

Ring Weekend

Each fall, rising Firsties receive their class ring in one of West Point's most photographed traditions — a milestone families look forward to as much as the cadets do.

📅

When

Held during a cadet's Cow-to-Firstie fall, roughly one year before graduation.

💎

The Ring

Every class designs its own ring, incorporating its class crest, motto, and Academy symbols.

🏆

The Tradition

Newly-ringed cadets famously "dunk" the ring in a beverage-filled mug and drink until it can be retrieved with their teeth.

Corps Spirit

Meet the Mascot

Army West Point mule mascot

Since 1899, a mule has carried Army's colors as its official mascot — chosen because the sturdy, stubborn animal hauled the Army's supplies and artillery long before trucks ever could, the same grit West Point cadets are known for. Every December, the mule squares off against Navy's goat at the Army-Navy Game, one of the oldest and proudest rivalries in college sports.

Parent of the Month

Latest Club Sponsors

View All Sponsors →

Our Team

Club Leadership

Your club officers are fellow West Point parents who have walked the same path and are honored to serve Alabama's cadet families.

Loading leadership…

Upcoming

Events & Key Dates

Check back regularly for the latest club gatherings and Academy dates.

📅 Loading events…

Current Initiatives

What We’re Doing This Year

Support

Family Support

Helping families stay informed, connected, and encouraged throughout the cadet experience.

Communication

Timely Updates

Sharing important information, club updates, and practical guidance for parents and cadet families.

Events

Meaningful Gatherings

Planning parent socials, support events, and opportunities to build a stronger Alabama community.

Involvement

Volunteer Growth

Expanding club participation so more parents can contribute, connect, and strengthen the network.

Stay Connected

Stay Informed

Receive club updates, event notices, and important announcements directly in your inbox.

Sign Up for Updates

Support Our Mission

Membership & Donations

Annual Membership

$100per year
  • Cadet support activities & care packages
  • Member portal access — vote, volunteer, RSVP
  • Connect with Alabama families at West Point
  • Club identification badge
Join for a Year
Best Value — Save $25

4-Year Membership

$375one time
  • Everything in Annual Membership
  • Covers all four years at West Point
  • No renewals to remember
  • Club identification badge
Join for 4 Years

Make a Donation

Anyamount
  • Funds care packages & cadet recognition
  • Supports family events across Alabama
  • Every contribution makes a difference
Donate Now