Plebe: My Year at The Citadel

"Everything you've heard about … the plebe system is true. It's a real bitch. They'll push you 'til you drop and still want more … Whatever happens, don't quit. Keep trying. They respect that."

"We are going to push you and push hard. the strong among you will survive, the weak wont. If you decide this is not the place for you, simply let the training cadre know and we'll get you out in less than twenty-four hours. There's no shame in leaving here. The military is not for everyone."
  
   In the tradition of Pat Conroy's The Lords of Discipline, the author describes his experience with The Citadel's notorious plebe system, his struggle to find himself academically, and gives homage to the saving grace of friendship.
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Des becomes smitten with a Southern Belle, and is played and betrayed while attending his first year as a Plebe at the Citadel. He is led to believe Nancy is romantically interested in him, only to learn the bitter truth of a fellow cadet's treachery.