Orientation Day 4 is complete! The cadet candidates woke up before sunrise again and double-timed it to the athletics field for PT. First Battalion completed a one-mile run in platoon formation, while Second Battalion rotated through a circuit of field exercises. Second Battalion was joined by the President of the Academy, Rear Admiral McDonald, who completed the circuit and took time to speak with some of the cadet candidates.

After PT, Second Company went to the pond, First Company participated in firefighting training, and Sixth Company headed to the pool. The weather was not ideal today, so the youngies spent most of their time indoors with their Company Staff. Uniform fittings and various meetings were also part of today’s schedule. Due to the rain, there were no intramural matches or evening patio, but cadet candidates used the time to learn from their Squad Leaders how to prepare their rooms for inspection. This includes making hospital corners on their beds, arranging their wall lockers, and ironing their uniforms.

After Orientation, youngies will go through a period before their official recognition during which they’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate that they can function effectively as fourth-class cadets at the Academy. This is why Squad Leaders focus so heavily on teaching during Orientation. There’s a lot of information being thrown at these cadet candidates, but the best way to learn is through practice. Later this week, they will participate in mock inspections to further prepare for their first semester.

Although today wasn’t as physically demanding as previous days, it was by no means a walk in the park. The youngies still have much to learn in a short period, but they are starting to see that their Squad Leaders will be there to guide and support them through it all.