The Final Cadet Video. Director, DP, Editor, Supporting Actor: Austin Lachance Actor: Casey Batley Audio Assistant: Ian McBride BTS Photographer: Bobby Norwood Production Assistant: Tim McLaughlin Soundrack: SSG Noah Taylor, USMA Band
I had a private in my unit who after watching your video decided that his dream was to go to West Point, so we did everything we could to help him submit a successful application. He commissions next year year as class of 2024. Thanks for inspiring other people with your video.
This is the leadership we need. I had a BC and PL who were supportive of me applying when I was a new soldier. Unfortunately that came to a halt when I got hurt and was medboarded but I found my way back in after 6 yrs and a long waiver process. Leaders need to help their troops advance their careers any way possible.
Thanks for bringing back the nightmares. Graduated in 1981 and only returned once - and not by choice. Hate the place. When I ask friends what were the best 4 years of their lives, they always say "college." When asked what were the 4 worst years of my life, I say "West Point." Went on to retire as COL of Infantry, 2 combat tours in Iraq. No regrets about that - but wish I had gone ROTC or even OCS.
WEST POINTERS: REMEMBER WHEN OUR NATION HAS FACED CRISES AND ADVERSITY WE HAVE TURNED TO THE LONG GRAY LINE. YOU CARRY HEAVY RESPONSOBILITY ON YOUR YOUNG SHOULDERS. GOD BLESS COLONEL THAYER AND ALL GRADUATES.
Throughout college starting in 2017 I found myself watching this video a few times a year. I somehow feel a connection although the circumstances are different. Now with 5 weeks to graduate this resonates more than ever with me. Life truly is about living in the moment. Just wanted to say thank you for the video and god speed.
A butterbar that will think he knows everything when he gets to his unit. Word of advice...you don't. There will be men who have deployed and know combat. Give trust to your lower englisted, ncos, and your platoon sergeant. Gain the trust of your soldiers. Trust me, if you do not show value in them, they will not follow. Be a leader, lead from the front, and care for your followers. Leadership is the ability to influence, so influence them to do good.
Young cadet. Until you've actually led soldiers, you can dream all you want. But until then...you will listen to your platoon sergeant and squad leaders...and learn how the real army works.
carddealer34, when my brother came home from Air Force Officer Training School before reporting to Flight School I asked him, “How does a brand new 2nd Lieutenant give an order to a Chief Master Sergeant anyway?” That was fifty years ago but I still remember his answer: “Brand new 2nd Lieutenants don’t give orders to Chief Master Sergeants. The lieutenant makes a polite suggestion and hopes the sergeant likes the idea.” LOL
@@sce2aux464 Not necessarily. So, quick history lesson. West Point has been getting funded by Congress since 1802. However, they aren't only funded by the government. In 2015, $50 million was donated by private donors. 30% of that money goes towards academics, while the other 70% goes to facilities, athletics, and other programs. Cadets get paid $900 a year in stipends. That money from the donors could possibly be being used to pay that $900. So is it really the taxpayer's money being used for there books? We will never truly know because that information is confidential, as there is personal info involved. Yes, many things are being paid by the taxpayer's towards West Point, but that's fine with me. In my eyes, my money is potentially going towards creating the next generation of officers that will eventually be leading our military. Its the least that I could do, lol.
My son has been watching your videos for years now. He is now 12 years old and decided 3 years ago that he wants to go to West Point and be a cadet. Your videos have inspired him to try and follow this dream. Your videos are amazing and you are extremely talented. Congratulations to you Austin and all the cadets graduating today. Best of luck in your future endeavors! God Bless!
On our last day at the Academy (graduation), we also have personal commissioning ceremonies with our Army Blues, so the idea is that LT Batley & myself were on our way to our commissioning ceremony, leaving our rooms for the last time
Megan, as a member of the Long Gray Line, and a West Point Admissions Officer CA03; I would encourage you and your son to reach out early to the West Point Admissions Office. Starting early will give him time to apply to West Point.
As an "old grad" from the Class of '77 as I view this video in June 2020, I want to say that it choked me up and moved me to tears. This is how we USMA grads feel when we are leaving West Point after 4 arduous but amazingly fulfilling years with our whole careers/lives ahead of us. It's a very poignant moment and this video captures it magnificently, including the majestic musical score that perfectly accents the video. Thanks for the (great) memories!
This Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer who has served more time with the Marine Corps then the Navy--- Approves... You understand the Brotherhood. Go forth and Lead... Semper..
Notice how the person that posted the video didn’t comment? It’s because you CAN go to the Marines after West Point, but’s harder to get a conditional release approved since you are effectively abandoning your “Army team” you spent 4 years with and promised to serve for 5 in favor of another branch. It has been done though. Gunny Google is your friend. Yut!
@Kyle Olsen As a 1997 West Point graduate allow me to correct you. Yes, West Point graduates can commission into the Navy, Marines, and Air Force. It requires a one for one transfer (e.g. one West Point grad swaps spots with one Naval Academy grad). I had a classmate commission into the Marines and two (husband and wife) classmates commission into the Air Force. I don't recall anyone going into the Navy, but it's possible.
As there seems to be a growing division in outlook and values between older and more recent grads, your film brilliantly documents some of the most dramatic moments in the West Point experience that we've all shared or will share since Sylvanus Thayer - the day that we finally "put away the cadet grey and donned the Army blue" - a day of ending one life and and beginning a new one - and another experience that we will all likely share - honoring the memory of classmates who have gone before us.- an increasingly frequent experience over time, that cements the bonds between those of us who carry on. Well Done.
You never cross the same river twice. You can never return, no matter how much you may dream. Some memories will fade, others will come back as though they happened yesterday. The faces of your classmates will remain forever young. You will always treasure having just been part of something bigger than yourself. USMA '77
@@barbaradunn5017 In our day, many of the cadets literally burned books in a big fire. Especially Calculus, Chemistry, and others. More of a "good riddance". Nowadays it's likely that they sell the books back, but I wouldn't be surprised if some folks still tossed them.
Sir, Your videos have had a profound impact on my life. They have opened up my mind to a bigger picture and have shown me how I can someday hope to follow my dreams. You have done a great service to myself and my fellow cadet candidates by making these amazing videos over the past few years. We are truly grateful for the time that you have put into these masterpieces. Thank you for all that you have done and for all that you will do for our country in the future. -Brinton
Class of ‘03. This video touched me big time. I spent so many moments at that place wishing I was somewhere else. And now, after all these years. many of my fondest dreams and remembrances are of the Corps, and the Corps, and the Corps.
Wow! I'm not in the military or anything but I found this to be so beautiful. So glad I stumbled upon it. Congratulations on your graduation. I hope your post grad life is going well.
Dr. Steph I volunteer at USNA. These young men and women represent everything that is right and just in our country. Thank you for her commitment to service. Bravo Zulu!
Very emotional for this middle-aged man and seeing young men that could be my sons. The Nation is very proud of you and we love you as you'll always be our sons and daughters.
Impressive, just impressive. I am a University of Illinois graduate. I enlisted but your video reminds me of the the day, 50 years ago, that I finished basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood. Thank you!
don't know if I can make it or if it's too late I'm joining the US army and dreaming to attend wespoint but I was not that good in high school I wasted my time and ... But I don't know what to do is there any way to attend wespoint
If you don't get bone spurs, EPTS, hip displacia, black lung, or whatever else IET status personel contract at sick call in BCT, graduate BCT and make it through your first term as a Soldier without marrying the first girl you meet on Tinder, and never get put in time out for being naughty at work, you too can become a butter bar with proper unit sponsorship and letters of recommendation and application.
What a really classy, nice video. I'm not (respectfully) a West Point graduate, but (as a former non-commissioned officer and officer candidate), I shared similar feelings when I graduated Officer Candidate School. It's humbling to think of the history (people and places) of the grounds, and honored men and women who trailblazed, sacrificed, came before you and honorably served in military uniform. Best wishes and blessings to the cadets and officer candidates...and new officers! And an even greater admiration for enlisted soldiers who we are privileged to serve with.
This was really well done. Big ups to the subject and the behind the scenes crew, putting something like this together seems simple, but not so easy. Well done!
Luke- you are from a NATO nation which means it is possible as an exchange student. Or you can angle for a spot in the Sandhurst competition which is always held at West Point.
I can't thank you enough for your dedication to share experiences with others. Your videos have had a profound effect on me as they helped me to further push myself to achieve my college dream, going to West Point, Class of 2023. I wish the best upon your future. These videos will stay in my memory.
Was a TAC NCO for 3rd Bn, 3rd Bde. I know how it feels to see a graduation class leave. It brings back old memories. I know how enlisted think of ring wearers. There are good ones and bad ones. Believe me there are alot of good ones. I had the good fortune to serve with some in the real world. Great officers. They took the advice of there NCO and later became general officers still serving today.
great video god bless man im bout to tlk to a recruiter soon i want to join the service so bad i have a military family and you inspire me to join everyday god bless
I'm 13 and hope to get into Westpoint, I do track, cross country and have good grades but I'm worried for my acceptance into the academy however nice video.
I am not an academy graduate, but this definitely brings back memories of college graduation for sure. So many memories. The people. The experiences. The campus itself. In the end, the day after graduation, I gave my key to the apt. mngr., and my brother, who was at my graduation, and I got in my car and drove off. Full days drive home. I too took that last look around the apt. Realized what's done is done, then closed the door. And so it goes.
Negative....there are more than a few foreign cadets in the Corps...my Classmate rose to be the Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, retired now....if you're an immigrant with status, may be different, but if you're in Thailand, check with your government
You actually can. If you can join the the Royal Thai Army academy you’ll get the chance of becoming an exchange cadet but it will be difficult because you have to be the best to get the chance to be chosen as an exchange cadet
You can apply and earn an appt without being an American Citizen. You have to be an American citizen by I-day. It’s happened at Navy more than a few times. I volunteer in admissions there. Go for it!
Man, I felt that way when I graduated at the Army Sergeants School. Time passed so fast. Lots of memories, and the feeling of an accomplished mission. Nice video, greetings from Brazil! 🇧🇷
Thank you for sharing. A masterpiece, the story wonderfully told. I do hope your service as an Army officer along with your West Point experiences will bring you a treasure trove of memories to cherish for a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your West Point experiences with all of us. Thank you.
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