During the six-week indoctrination period know as the Plebe System,  Plebes are not authorized leave.  They may not possess cell phones, nor use campus telephones. Plebes may use computers for academic purposes during Evening Study Hall, which is conducted Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 PM for all cadets. College cadets have additional designated quiet hour/study hall from 10:00 to 11:00 PM.  Plebes are allowed to use a computer for academic purposes outside Evening Study Hall, however, they must obtain permission from their TAC Officer to do so.  Computers will not be used for e-mail or instant messaging during the Plebe System. Plebes are encouraged to write letters home and may receive letters from family and friends.  Upon earning their Cap Shield, which can be accomplished prior to Recognition Day, Plebes are authorized to make one telephone call to their parents and may then begin using the Boodle Shop (cadet snack bar) during their free time.

The goals of the Plebe System are to:

• Prepare incoming cadets for success in the Five Cornerstones programs – Academic Excellence, Character Development, Personal Motivation, Physical Development, and Leadership – the Five Cornerstones.
• Teach cadets to be loyal and effective followers as part of the leadership development experience.
• Introduce cadets to the daily operations, rules and regulations of Valley Forge–tasks, conditions, standards.
• Instruct and train each New Cadet in the standards and conduct expected of a member of the Valley Forge Corps of Cadets.
• Introduce cadets to the customs and traditions of Valley Forge.
• Instill confidence, teamwork, loyalty, honor, respect, responsibility, selflessness, and self-discipline in a standards based, values focused system.
• Begin to set the foundation for a cadet’s development as a future ethically minded citizen-leader of character.
• 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 through positive leading by example.

One of a Plebe’s highest priorities during this busy period is to earn the Cap Shield.

To qualify for the Cap Shield and to be eligible for recognition, Plebes must memorize several items verbatim and complete prescribed practical exercises.

The Cap Shield requirements Plebes must memorize are:

In addition to the memorization requirements, Plebes must successfully complete the following Cap Shield practical exercises:

• Demonstrate the Position of Attention
• Demonstrate the Hand Salute
• Perform Military Drill
• Identify Rank Insignia of the Army, Cadet Officers, and Noncommissioned Officers
• Answer Questions about the History, Traditions and Distinguished Graduates of VFMA&C
• Identify Key Buildings and Sites on Campus

Community service plays an important role in character development. As an expression of civic responsibility, Academy and College cadets are engaged in a variety of projects and activities at schools, nursing homes, churches, food banks and worksites where they can contribute to the betterment of the community.

The Commandant’s Department dedicates time on a regular basis to reinforce an aspect of character development. These lessons, co-taught by a TAC Officer-Cadet Team, range from the way the Honor System works to discussions of recent honor cases and lessons learned, to dealing with diversity and treating all with respect and dignity.  Faculty members and other subject matter experts will often add to this vital facet of character development.  At Valley Forge, we strive to create a character building environment that integrates Academic, Military, Leadership, Physical and Spiritual activities that best fulfill the development of the whole person and their character.

Religious Life
The Sunday Chapel service is held at 11:00 AM as scheduled.  It is singular in its beauty, grandeur and inspiration, and is centrally significant to cadet life.  It is a blending of the religious, patriotic and military traditions conceived to motivate, inspire and undergirds our Character Development Program.  While Christian in nature and format, the service is nondenominational.  Speakers focus on the Honor Trait for that month and refer to them in their sermons.  Selected speakers include prominent clergy of various faiths,  leaders in civic, educational, corporate and national affairs and our own Staff and Faculty.  Their addresses emphasize the Core Virtues of our Character Development Program.  Visitors are always welcome at the Sunday morning worship service.

A Priest from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia celebrates Catholic Mass on campus every Sunday afternoon. Arrangements are also made for Catholic, Muslim and Jewish cadets to observe holy days on campus or at an appropriate nearby location.  Along with an alternative service during Chapel Service on Sundays, Jewish cadets may attend services on designated Saturday mornings at a local synagogue and Muslim cadets may attend services at a local mosque on designated Friday afternoons.

Fellowship Groups
Fellowship Groupsfor Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, and Catholic cadets are available to further their religious education. Religious instruction is also available for Catholic cadets preparing for the Sacraments.