GUYS,
Please don't forget that this is the 50th anniversary of our Plebe Hike (now called the Plebe Marchback). The following report was sent to you about a month or so ago and gives you a lot of information on the Marchback scheduled for this August. You should tie into the alumni email address at www.usma.edu/daa to get the latest information. At that site there is a clear way to ask the academy to let you know by email when signup begins and how to signup. We believe signup has not yet officially begun but will begin very shortly. The class of 1962 has been reserved a significant number marcher slots (50 for the full march and unlimited for the final 2 mile segment which is in itself a wonderful experience) , but they are limited, so early signup is still important.
If you need further info contact Bob DeVries at devriesr@optonline.net or call me at 973 697 1124".
Bob DeVries
PS: We now can sell 1962 Plebe Marchback Plaques for those who participate in the event. You can find details on the Plaque as well as ordering information by using this link.
PLEBE MARCH BACK
CLASS OF 1962
50th ANNIVERSARY
AUGUST 17 & 18, 2008
INTRODUCTION
I ( Bob DeVries) have been asked by Ted Stroup to take a lead role in organizing the class of 1962’s participation in this year’s Plebe Marchback currently scheduled to be held on August 17th and 18th. I have participated in the past 9 Marchbacks and based upon this experience I’ve prepared the following summary for your information. Since this is the 50th anniversary our class of 1962 Marchback it has special significance not only for our class, but also for the plebe class we will be marching with (the class of 2012). We have been allocated at least 50 slots for the full 12 mile march and unlimited slots for the final 2 mile segment. As I will outline below, this is a wonderful experience and I urge each of you to seriously consider participating.
If you have questions please feel free to contact me at devriesr@optonline.net or by telephone at 772 388 1674 (Florida) until about May 10th and at 973 697 1124 (New Jersey) after May 10th. Bob DeVries
WHAT IS THE PLEBE MARCHBACK AND WHY IS THIS YEAR’S MARCHBACK SPECIAL TO THE CLASS OF 1962?
The plebe class ends its summer training (beast Barracks) at Camp Buckner and, as you may remember, traditionally on the last night the class hikes back to the main academy grounds.
With the war against terrorism ongoing in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, it is doubtless that the men and women you will be marching with will have an impact on the nation’s future as they become officers in our military over the next few years. The Marchback gives you the opportunity, on a one on one basis, to have discussions with both plebes and upperclassmen. It is a wonderful and fulfilling experience. They want to know about your career, both in the army and in civilian life. They are interested in your experiences as a cadet as well as on a broad range of other things. I have told many of them over the years of how proud I am to walk with them—the future leaders of our nation’s military. It can be an emotional experience.
Since this is the 50th year of our class entering West Point, we have a special connection with this year’s plebe class (class of 2012). There are special events commemorating this connection and the Marchback is one of them.
In addition to the rewarding opportunities to interface with the cadets as well as your classmates, it is a great opportunity to get yourself into good and healthy physical condition. If you undertake the physical preparation I’ve outlined below, by August you should be in the best shape you’ve been in years and should be able to complete the full Marchback.
WHAT ARE THE MARCHBACK EVENTS AND ALTERNATIVES?
The Marchback used to be overnight and about 15 total miles starting at Lake Frederick. The march now starts at Camp Buckner, with the first major segment being about 10 miles, ending at the ski slope lodge. The second major segment is 2 miles beginning at the ski lodge and ending at the Superintendent’s quarters. Alumni can chose either the full 12 mile march or the final 2 mile segment.
On the evening prior to the Marchback, the plebe class puts on a talent show at Camp Buckner. Alumni and their spouses and guests are invited to attend the show (it is optional) and the AOG arranges buses to take you from the alumni center (Herbert Hall) to Buckner. It is also possible that the alumni will receive a briefing on West Point training by key cadet leaders prior to the show. At the end of the show you have the option of returning by bus to Herbert Hall. If you are a full 12 mile marcher you can remain at Buckner and the Academy will provide you with a cot. You sleep in a pavilion. Ready to eat packaged meals are provided.
Alumni on the full 12 mile march who do not go to the plebe show or who do not remain at Buckner after the show must report to Herbert Hall at about 3am on August 19th (the Academy will set the exact time). You will be bused to Buckner for the March.
WHAT ARE THE PRO’S AND CON’S OF TRAVELING TO CAMP BUCKNER ON THE EVENING OF THE 17th TO SEE THE TALENT SHOW?
Pro’s: You get to see the talent show and the cadet briefing which are very interesting and fun. I suspect most of our class will elect to take this opportunity. If you are a 12 mile marcher and elect to stay at Buckner after the show, you will receive free lodging and packaged meals.
Con’s: If you are a 12 mile marcher and elect to stay at Buckner, accommodations are Spartan barracks and there is no air-conditioning. You may not get much sleep even though you are provided a cot. If you are a 12 mile marcher and return to Herbert Hall after the show, you will get to sleep in your air-conditioned room, but it will probably be 10 or 11pm before you get to bed and you will have to get up at about 2am to report to Herbert Hall on time.
Note: If you do not go to the talent show you will have the opportunity to get to bed early and possibly get 4 to 6 hours of sleep in your air-conditioned room.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT UNDER ALL ALTERNATIVES YOU WILL NOT GET MUCH SLEEP ON THE NIGHT OF AUGUST 17th.
Note: The 2 milers have no problem. They can easily attend the plebe talent show, get a full night’s sleep in their hotel/motel room and report to Herbert Hall at about 9am (The Academy will set the exact time) on August 18th.
WHAT IS THE ACTUAL MARCHBACK LIKE?
This information is based on last year’s march and is subject to change. However, I believe there is an excellent chance the academy will keep the same arrangements as last year. Of course the Marchback is based on the cadets’ schedule—not ours. We are there only as guests.
10 MILE SEGMENT: The 10 mile segment begins at Buckner and ends at the ski slope. Last year it was divided into 3 sub-segments (there are two 15 minute breaks). There are energy bars, snacks, water and porta-johns at each break. The 1st sub-segment is the most difficult. It is about 3 miles long on a rough and narrow gravel road and mostly uphill. The cadets (with full military pack and rifles) walk at a determined brisk pace. It is a true test of your physical conditioning.
The second sub-segment is also on a gravel road and is continually and steeply up and down like a roller coaster. It is difficult but not as tough as the 1st sub-segment. The 2nd segment ends at Round Pond.
The 3rd sub-segment is by far the easiest, is almost totally on asphalt and is downhill or level. The last mile is pleasantly through the golf course. The cadets do not climb the ski slope.
The 10 mile segment takes about 3 to 4 hours and is likely to begin at daybreak, and thus should be entirely in daylight. This is a greatly improved safety measure since in the past the march was overnight leading to a number of injuries due to tripping and falling as a result of the darkness. Let us hope the Academy keeps the daybreak start.
Alumni are placed evenly throughout the cadets with about 4 or 5 per platoon. You will be assigned a specific platoon and an upperclass cadet will be assigned to your group to be sure you find your platoon and to assist you if you have any problems. You are free to speak with the cadets and new cadets during the march.
The 10 mile segment ends at the ski lodge where everyone waits until all marchers have arrived. The Superintendent (who makes the full march) is there to greet the marchers.
2 MILE SEGMENT: The 2 mile alumni are bused from Herbert Hall to the Ski lodge to team up with the 10 milers. A class photo is usually taken here.
An army band and the mules arrive and the alumni now form into a company formation and march ahead of the 8 cadet companies toward Washington gate. It now has become traditional that at the Washington gate the alumni leave the line of march and applaud all the new cadets as they pass. For me and all alumni this is a very moving experience. No one else is present—just alumni and the cadets—the long gray line in living reality. The alumni then quickly fall in behind the 8 cadet companies and march down to the Superintendent’s quarters. It is a traditional military parade.
It seems that the entire post turns out along with cadet parents etc .and there are hundreds if not thousands of smiling people (many with signs) welcoming the new plebe class. The observers become especially excited when they see the “old grads” marching at the end of the parade. The parade is a thrilling experience and waiving by the “old grads” to the observers does not result in demerits.
At the Superintendent’s quarters we give an “eyes right” to the Superintendent and his staff and the parade ends. Bill Kosco has agreed to be our adjudant and call our “eyes right”. I am sure he will be loud and clear.
We expect to have a class of 1962 banner for the parade. However, the Academy has requested that we have no other flags or banners.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND CARRY WITH ME?
The Academy will issue you a “class of 2012 Marchback” shirt and cap along with a rain poncho, water bottles and belt clips. You are asked to wear tan pants or shorts. Most alumni wear shorts. You should wear WELL BROKEN IN hiking boots and the heavier version of hiking socks. You will also need a light backpack or fanny pack. You may want to carry the following in your pack: rain poncho, bee sting and other medication (I am allergic to bee stings), camera, extra pair of socks, band aids, mosquito repellent, energy bars, etc. I have never had to use my band aids or extra socks. If it rains you just keep going. I always end up eating my energy bars. I have seen bees but I’ve never been stung. I do use my insect repellent. The break stops usually have energy bars as well.
WHAT LEVEL OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONING SHOULD I BE IN AND HOW MIGHT I BEST TRAIN FOR THE MARCH?
I believe that if you are currently able to (without much difficulty) pull a golf cart and walk an 18 hole golf course you can probably make the full 12 mile march IF you undertake the training I am recommending below. If you have difficulty in walking an 18 hole golf course I believe you should opt for the 2 mile segment---which as stated above is in its own right an exciting and moving experience.
I recommend (and have done this my self each year I have done the march) that you undertake the following training schedule:
APRIL: walk 2 miles every other day at a 15 minute per mile pace ( 2 miles in 30 minutes). This is a purposeful brisk pace but not speed walking.
MAY: walk 4 miles without a stop about every other day at the same brisk pace (one hour for 4 miles).
JUNE: walk 6 miles without a stop 2 or 3 times a week at the same brisk pace (an hour and a half).
JULY: walk 8 miles without a stop 2 times a week at the same brisk pace. ( two hours).
AUGUST: You probably should do one 8 miler but then wind down during the last 10 days with a couple of 2 or 4 mile brisk walks. Don’t do significant walking the last 3 days before the march. You should now be in excellent condition and ready to go.
NOTE: The above schedule is approximate and obviously can be varied somewhat to fit your conditioning and schedule. If at all possible try to include some hills or stair cases in your training. During the march there are military ambulances following each company. If you have difficulty or injury you are advised to wait for the ambulance and it will pick you up. I understand this is a rare occurrence.
NOTE: If you have reasonable doubts about your ability please take the 2 mile option. The 1st and 2nd sub-segments are quite challenging for 68 year olds and should only be attempted if you can reasonably achieve the aforementioned training regimen. But if you can do the training I’ve recommended, then I believe you should be able to do the full march.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE MARCH AND HOW CAN I CLEAN UP FOR THE EISENHOWER HALL LUNCHEON?
When you check in at Herbert Hall the afternoon before the march you will be instructed to bring with you (to the final busing) a clean set of clothes (casual pants, shorts, shirt, shoes or sneakers, socks, etc). These will be put in a bag with your name on it and will be efficiently placed by the Academy in the Arvin Gym for your arrival after the march. Academy will provide you with a bar of soap, shampoo and a towel.
You will be instructed to proceed to the Arvin Gym after the march to pick up your clean clothes and take a shower. Believe me, it is a great feeling to have a shower after your significant efforts in the dust, mud and rain (?). You can then walk to Eisenhower Hall for the pleasant lunch or the Academy will have a bus to take you there if you wish.
After lunch there are buses to take you back to Herbert Hall or the Hotel Thayer where your car is probably parked.
The lunch is always very nice and the Superintendent will undoubtedly give a presentation.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CLASS ACTIVITIES PLANNED?
There are no organized special activities for our class planned. However, since many classmates will probably be arriving at West Point on Saturday, lets meet at 6PM in the Thayer Hotel lounge for cocktails, with dinner in the hotel dining room at 7PM. Each person can order what he/she wants and pay for it themselves. Please let me (Bob DeVries) know if you will attend and I will ask the hotel to set up a special area in the dining room to accommodate us.
On Sunday evening many classmate will probably be attending the plebe talent show. Those who do not should plan to meet in the Thayer lounge at 6PM and go to dinner in the dining room at their leisure. Once again let me know if you plan to have dinner at the Thayer on Sunday evening and I will ask the hotel to set up a special area in the dining room for our class.
All other activities, including the Monday luncheon, are conducted by the Academy. Spouses are invited to all the social activities, including the talent show and the Monday lunch.
NOTE OF CAUTION: If you are driving, remember that you will be getting very little sleep on Sunday night and will be quite tired after Monday’s luncheon. If your wife is with you, have her drive or stay one more night. If you are alone I strongly recommend you stay one more night. PLEASE BE CONSCIOUS OF THIS DANGER.
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE MARCHBACK?
In April or May the Academy will be notifying all alumni of the Marchback and registration procedures on its website. There are some forms which must be completed and a fee (approximately $125) paid to pay for the shirt, hat, busing and meals. You should promptly register since I understand by mid June the full 12 mile march gets filled up.
Once again, let me know if you will be attending the Saturday or Sunday dinners at the Thayer so I can have the Hotel set up the required tables in the dining room.
THAYER HOTEL INFORMATION.
A reduced rate has been negotiated with the Thayer Hotel at $175 per night. Just tell the hotel you want the class of 1962 Marchback rate. Of course you also have the option of using the other hotels/motels in the a
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION BY THE ACADEMY).
Saturday August 16: 6PM Cocktails at Thayer Hotel Lounge
7PM Dinner in the Thayer Hotel Dining Room
Sunday August 17: 12 Noon to 3:30 PM Registration at Herbert Hall Alumni Center
3:45 PM Buses leave for Camp Buckner and Plebe Talent Show.
6PM Cocktails at Thayer Lounge for those not attending the Plebe Talent Show
7PM Dinner at Thayer Dining Room for those who do not attend the Talent Show
At Buckner: A packaged meal is made available at Buckner for those who attend the Talent Show
Monday August 18th: 3AM 12 mile alumni marchers check in at Herbert Hall to be bused to Buckner
4AM 12 mile marchers who slept at Buckner are awakened to prepare for march
5AM Plebe Marchback begins
9AM 2 mile alumni marchers check in at Herbert Hall to be bussed to ski slope
11AM wives and friends should be assembled near Superintendent’s house to view
Parade
11:30AM 2 mile march begins at Buckner
12 noon Pass in review at Superintendent’s quarters
12:30 alumni luncheon at Eisenhower Hall
CONCLUSION
We should all look at the Marchback as a mini-reunion with a purpose. It is interesting and exciting but also gives alumni a small impact on a cadet’s life. I strongly recommend that you all consider attending. GUYS LETS SHOW THE ACADEMY AND THE CLASS OF 2012 THAT THE CLASS OF 1962 CAN DO AND DOES DO. I KNOW WE CAN MAKE THIS MARCHBACK A GREAT SUCCESS. THANKS.