What basic training do West Point cadets undergo?

I'm interested in the initial training cadets receive at West Point. Is it similar to the basic training enlisted soldiers go through, or is there a different program specifically for cadets?

West Point Cadets certainly undergo a rigorous training program. It's not entirely the same as the Basic Combat Training (BCT) that enlisted soldiers go through, but it definitely shares some crucial aspects.

The first phase of their journey begins with the Cadet Basic Training (CBT), also known as "Beast Barracks." This is a seven-week program that takes place during the summer before their freshman (plebe) year. The training is designed to transition the cadets from civilian life to military life.

During Beast Barracks, cadets learn the basic skills necessary for service in the Army. This includes physical conditioning, small unit tactics, first aid, nuclear biological and chemical training, and proper maintenance of military equipment. They are also introduced to the Army's core values and the principles of duty, honor, and respect that govern life at the academy.

The strenuousness of CBT lies in its multifaceted nature, as it is meant to challenge cadets both physically and mentally. They stay in barracks, engage in rigorous physical training, and learn essential military skills, all while adapting to the discipline and rigor of military life.

In their following summers, cadets undertake different trainings like Cadet Field Training, Cadet Leaders Course, and other military, academic, or athletic training options.

In summary, while there are similarities to the basic training for enlisted soldiers, the West Point's program also has unique components to prepare the cadets for their leadership roles as future officers. This commitment to holistic training embodies the ethos of developing the "whole person" that West Point takes very seriously.