What is the Fourth Class System?
In a document entitled "Evolution of the Fourth Class System: Forged in Tradition… Transformed to Leader Development," by CPT Samuel S. Rollinson, the Fourth Class System is considered the following:
The Fourth Class System does not have a specific date of origin to assist in determining its history. The Fourth Class System does not command a specific zoom named in its honor at the Cadet Library. There is no plaque, painting, or statue in its honor on the grounds of the United States Military Academy. To many, the Fourth Class System simply exists and has existed since the founding of the Academy. In fact, the customs and traditions that form the core of the Fourth Class System began during the Superintendency of Sylvanus Thayer. These customs and traditions, directed toward the newcomers at West Point, signified a "rite of passage" before acceptance into the group.
Please see paragraph one at #13 above. In addition, The Guidon (The Guidon is the Cadet’s handbook which contains all the facts, knowledge and rules a Cadet will need to master in order to become proficient and successful.) provides this definition. “A fourth class cadet is a freshman.” Fourth class cadets will obey any lawful order by an upper-class cadet. There are certain areas that are off-limits to a fourth class cadet: For example, all grassed areas, except when in athletic uniform or in formation; the quadrangle, except during formation; all streets on campus, except when crossing or along the Avenue of Remembrance; the sidewalk along the Avenue of Remembrance, etc. The Guidon also contains a list of 4th Class Knob Knowledge requirements. Parent and Cadets should please review information contained in The Guidon which will help make the first year a successful one. And, what is a successful first year: Recognition Day!
