32 DEVELOPING LEADERS OF CHARACTER Separation Process Separation fromWest Point during Cadet Basic Training is a rare occurrence and special procedures are in place to support cadets in this situation. It is not a simple or immediate process inmost situations, and can take two to three weeks. West Point understands that exhaustion and discouragement may be major factors in the desire to leave. Thus, the initial counseling process by the Chain of Command is deliberately extended over the course of a few days to give the new cadet every opportunity to assess their situation with Cadre feedback. Once the new cadet has consulted with their TAC officer in charge of the company during summer training and separation is requested, paperwork for the transition is initiated. New cadets will be allowed to call home to inform their parents about the decision. They will then be transitioned into Summer Garrison Regiment, where they will turn in their equipment and attend regular accountability formation while waiting for their paperwork to be processed. They no longer will be allowed to interact with other new cadets, including duringmeals. Once the paperwork is complete, the new cadet will be free to return home. Transportation will be arranged by West Point. Separation during the academic year follows a similar process. Historic Cadet Mess in Washington Hall The neo-Gothic Cadet Mess at West Point is an impressive structure configured like an enormous spoked wheel, with six dining wings radiating from a central section with an elevated “poop deck,” fromwhich announcements are made duringmeal times. The mess hall seats and feeds the entire Corps of approximately 4,400 cadets in less than 25 minutes. It provides well-balanced, nutritional meals that support the cadets’ very active daily life. Tomaintain the unity of the Corps, the use of the mess hall by others is highly regulated. Meal hours are posted on the cadet schedule and are strictly enforced. Family members may eat in the mess hall with their cadet under the following guidelines: Official Guests Cadets of any class may invite and escort an official guest (official as deemed by Protocol or Public Affairs) or a member of the Armed Forces during any meal, withminor exceptions listed in the USCC SOP. Unofficial Guests Second Class cadets may invite and escort guests to informal meals only, with a maximumof five guests. The exception for Fourth Class (Plebe) cadets is during Family Weekend and Plebe-Parent Weekend, when they may escort guests to informal meals. Other exceptions are listed in the USCC SOP. Informal Meals Saturday lunch and dinner or Sunday brunch. Official Weekends Special events are scheduled throughout the year for different classes. At such times, guest meal tickets are not authorized.
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