Cadets are not referred to as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors

The terms "freshman," "sophomore," "junior," and "senior" do not apply to cadets. Instead, they are referred to as cadets of the fourth, third, second, and first classes, respectively. Freshmen are known as plebes, sophomores as yearlings or yuks, juniors as cows, and seniors as firsties in common parlance.

Some class names have well-known etymologies, while others do not. In particular, Plebeians were at the lesser level in classical Roman society, and yearling is a euphemism for an animal that is a year old. Besides, few people are aware of the cow's origin. There are other explanations about the origin of the name "cow," but the most popular and possibly correct one is that in the past, cadets were not allowed to take a break until the conclusion of their yearling year, at which point they were given a summer-long furlough. Thus, "the cows coming home" was used to describe their return as second-class cadets.

The Corps of Cadets is formally organized into a brigade. First Captain has historically been the title given to the cadet with the highest rank, the Brigade Commander. The brigade is organized into four regiments. Each regiment consists of three battalions, each with three companies. Companies are identified by the letters A through I, and a number designates the regiment to which they belong. For instance, the letter "H" stands for four different companies: H1, H2, H3, and H4. The brigade's leadership, from the First Captain down to the platoon leaders within the companies, is comprised of first-class cadets. Second-class cadets carry the rank of cadet sergeant, third-class cadets hold the rank of cadet corporal, and fourth-class cadets are cadet privates, assuming less responsibility for leadership.

In sum, the terms "freshman," "sophomore," "junior," and "senior" do not apply to cadets in US Military Academy at West Point:

• They are referred to as cadets of the fourth, third, second, and first classes, respectively.

• Freshmen are known as plebes, sophomores as yearlings or yuks, juniors as cows, and seniors as firsties.
• The Corps of Cadets is organized into a brigade that includes four regiments. Each regiment consists of three battalions, each with three companies.
• The brigade leadership, from the company captain to the platoon commanders, consisted of first-class cadets.
• Second-class cadets with the rank of sergeant, third-class students with the rank of corporal, and fourth-rate students are private.