Bugle Notes: West Point's plebe "Book of Knowledge"

Bugle Notes is the plebe handbook of West Point history, traditions and heritage. Cadets have studied it since 1908. West Point: Plebe Milestones

• Who produces it: the Cadet Publications Branch of the Directorate of Cadet Activities. It calls Bugle Notes the plebe "Book of Knowledge."
• When you need it: it is required reading during Cadet Basic Training (CBT).
• How you get it: plebes receive a copy automatically through cadet account charges. Families can buy extra keepsake copies on R-Day or by mail afterward. Source: West Point: Cadet Publications
• A second book: on R-Day, new cadets also get a separate Knowledge Book covering academy information, customs and expectations. Source: West Point: Plebe Milestones
• Current edition: a West Point Spouses' Club gift shop listing shows Bugle Notes 2026–2030 (118th Volume, Class of 2030). This edition and volume number aren't confirmed on westpoint.edu. Treat them as unverified. Source: Shop the Point listing

The USMA Library Archives describe what editions of Bugle Notes have historically included (based on volumes from 1907 to 1994):

• a historical sketch of the Academy, its mission and its role
• lists of past superintendents, commandants and deans
• the academic system and the Cadet Honor Code
• awards, and religious, athletic and social activities
• points of historic interest on post
• Corps songs and cheers
• a dictionary of cadet slang
• the organization of the Academy, the Army, the Department of Defense and the other services
• military decorations and ranks

USMA Library ArchivesSpace: Bugle Notes series

West Point describes plebe knowledge as training to "perform under pressure, think clearly in stressful moments, and communicate precisely." West Point: Plebe Milestones

No current official pre-arrival memorization list was found for West Point, unlike the Naval Academy's written schedule. The items below come from official public pages, so they're safe to start on. Each one links to its source.

1. The West Point mission (current wording, adopted 2024):

   "To build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation." West Point Mission Statement

   The same page shows the mission's wording history back to 1925. The 2005–2024 version included "Duty, Honor, Country." Older study guides may still show that version, so check which one your edition prints.

2. The motto: "Duty, Honor, Country." Source: West Point Mission Statement

3. The Cadet Honor Code: "A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." Source: West Point: Cadet Honor Code

4. The "Three Rules to Live By", from the same page:

   • Does this action attempt to deceive anyone or allow anyone to be deceived?
   • Does it gain or allow the gain of a privilege or advantage that wouldn't otherwise be earned?
   • Would I be dissatisfied by the outcome if I were on the receiving end?

   Source: West Point: Cadet Honor Code

5. The seven Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. They're often remembered by the acronym LDRSHIP. Source: Army.mil: Army Values

6. The Soldier's Creed. It opens with "I am an American Soldier." The full text is on the official Army page. Source: Army.mil: Soldier's Creed

7. The Code of Conduct, Articles I–VI. This is public-domain federal text. Source: National Archives: EO 10631

8. Classic recitation: "Schofield's Definition of Discipline."

   • It comes from Major General John M. Schofield's address to the Corps of Cadets on August 11, 1879. That date makes it public domain.
   • The full text is on the West Point Center for Oral History site. West Point Center for Oral History
   • An alumni-run page lists it as long-standing required plebe knowledge, along with "Scott's Fixed Opinion," the Code of Conduct and the Soldier's Creed. west-point.org (unofficial) That page dates the address 1887, which looks like a typo for 1879.
   • Traditional pieces such as "The Corps" and the "Alma Mater" are also commonly learned. Their current assignment wasn't verified from an official source, so confirm in your Bugle Notes before investing heavy time.

• Daily and duty knowledge: calling minutes before formations, Mess Hall table duties, and the names and details of your own chain of command and company. Plebe duties are described by West Point, and they depend on where you're assigned. Source: West Point: Plebe Milestones
• Anything in the R-Day Knowledge Book. It is only issued on R-Day.
• Edition-specific content: current leaders' names, the class crest, and the year's updates. These change every volume.

• Start with the official items above. They don't change with the edition, except for the mission wording, so check that.
• Use spaced flashcards. Review daily at first, then space out the cards you already know. A deck built from official text is linked below.
• Recite out loud and under mild pressure. Practice with a timer or a family member firing questions. Plebe knowledge is tested on the spot.
• Learn long passages in pieces. For long texts like Schofield's Definition, learn one sentence perfectly before adding the next.
• Keep fitness first. Knowledge is one part of CBT.

There's a starter deck taken from official West Point and Army pages. It covers the mission, the motto, the Honor Code, the Three Rules, the Army Values, the Soldier's Creed opening and the Code of Conduct. Open the deck below.

• Mission and Honor Code: westpoint.edu, checked October 21, 2026.
• Army Values and Soldier's Creed: army.mil, checked October 21, 2026.
• Book contents: the USMA Library archive description (editions 1907–1994).
• Current edition (118th Volume, 2026–2030): comes only from a West Point Spouses' Club gift shop listing and isn't confirmed by USMA.
• Classic recitations list: comes from an unofficial alumni-run page and should be confirmed against the current edition.

This page summarizes and links to official sources. It does not reproduce Bugle Notes, and Academy Dreams is not affiliated with the U.S. Military Academy.