All entering cadets at Valley Forge Military College are called “Plebes” until they complete a 6-week period of training known as the Plebe System. This initial phase encompasses incoming cadet reception, processing, training and the first six weeks of school until Recognition Day. It is a period of adjustment during which an entering cadet learns to place the concept of duty above personal desires. The Plebe System tests cadets mentally, physically and morally. It is demanding, but it is a proven system. Thousands of Valley Forge cadets have succeeded.
The goals of the Plebe System are to:
- Prepare incoming cadets for success in all programs – academic, character development, leadership and physical.
- Introduce cadets to the daily operations, rules and regulations of Valley Forge–tasks, conditions and standards.
- Introduce cadets to the traditions and customs of Valley Forge.
- Instill teamwork, loyalty, responsibility, self-discipline in a standards-based, values-focused system.
- Begin to set the foundation for a cadet’s development as a future citizen-leader.
- Inspire cadets to strive for excellence in all they do.
- Provide a powerful and inspirational leadership experience for the Cadet Chain of Command and all upper-class cadets
Before completing the Plebe period, all plebes participate in "The Crucible." Similar to the Crucible Training that young civilian men and women take to become soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, the plebes will be broken into teams and will compete for bragging rights for the rest of the school year. The local newspaper covered the events, and the story can be read by clicking here.
The conclusion of this period occurs when the students complete the traditional requirement of earning their "Capshield," the brass crest that adorns the uniform cap. The Plebe system is what ties alumni together as they become members of the "Long Line of Grey".