A First-Year West Pointer is also known as a PLEBE. A PLEBE is a freshman cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. The term is derived from the Latin word for 'NEWCOMER' and is used to refer to the first year of the four-year program. Plebes are expected to adhere to the strict regulations and standards of the academy, and they are subject to the same military training and discipline as upperclassmen.