They were also taught the proper occasions for wearing each article of uniform.
Academic studies had now begun in earnest too.

The idea in requiring cadets to begin in March instead of in June, as formerly, is that they may have three months in which to become accustomed to the fearfully exacting requirements of study and recitation in force at West Point.
It was a proud day for all these new plebes when they "drew" their rifles and bayonets and began the laborious study of the manual of arms.
One after another, as fast as they were sufficiently proficient, the new plebes were sent into one of the companies into which the Corps of Cadets is divided.
Cadet Prescott entered D Company four days before Greg Holmes was assigned to the same company.

Dick's success indeed spurred Greg on to new efforts, although poor young Holmes had felt that he was working as hard already as human flesh could endure.
Early in April nearly all of the new plebes had joined their companies.

It was a wholly new, revolutionized life.
Many of the new plebes had come from homes of luxury, where servants had abounded.
But here at West Point former social lines had no significance, unless it was to invite trouble down upon the head of any new cadet who felt inclined to be priggish.
No cadet had a servant, nor could he engage anyone to perform any of his own duties for him.
Each cadet in the entire corps rose at the tap of a drum--"reveille"-- at 5.45 A.M.
At the first sound of reveille every young man sprang from his bed.
Then followed hasty but orderly dressing and the making of the toilet.

The cadet must be spick and span.
Incidentally, but promptly, he fell to policing.