Plebes complete 2025 Crucible

Valley Forge Military College’s most recent plebe class completed The Crucible: Operation Forged in Fire from Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 5.

The Crucible is the culminating event of the plebe system. It tests knowledge, physical capabilities, and level of determination necessary to become a Cadet through physical activities to test endurance, mental agility, and teamwork skill. It is a modified version of that used by the US Marine Corps at the conclusion of Marine boot camp. 

Cadet leadership plans and executes the event with the help of the Commandant’s Department. This year’s 17-hour overnight event included: 

• Night Infiltration Course

• Obstacle Course

• Water Can Sprint Relays

• Upper Body and Lower Body Circuits 

• Capture the Flag

• One-Rope Bridge 

• 4-mile Ruck 

• Patrol Base Operations 

After completing The Crucible, Cadets were awarded their berets during a ceremony outside of Medenbach Hall. They will officially be recognized as cadets when they receive their capshields at the capshield ceremony on Friday, October 10.

“The Crucible: Operation Forged in Fire was seventeen hours of non-stop adversity – and they refused to quit,” College Lead Tac Maj. Gabe Voumard said. “What I saw during the Crucible wasn’t just effort, it was sacrifice. Cadets were putting the team first, pushing through pain for the person next to them, and never losing sight of the mission. 

“That’s real leadership. They embodied what every warrior knows to be true – that greatness isn’t given, it’s earned through blood, sweat, and tears. These Cadets have earned my respect and the right to call themselves Cadets at Valley Forge Military College.”  

Click here to watch video highlights