A new crop of cadet candidates for the Class of 2019 arrived Monday at West Point.

The U.S. Military Academy welcomed 1,270 cadet candidates for Reception Day, or "R-Day."

The new arrivals to the prestigious academy have embarked upon six weeks of intensive training before entering the Corps of Cadets.

For many of these fledgling recruits, what happens at R-Day is a shock, as they transition from civilian to military life. However, 47 months from now, most will leave as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

It's been over three decades since Sharon Shiftlet went through "R Day" as a new cadet. She is now passing on her military legacy to her daughter, Hanna - one of the candidates to comprise the Class of 2019.

"The last thing I told her before she left was to have fun, because it's a really tough day, but it's something she wanted all of her life, so I want her to enjoy it and remember it," said Shiftlet.

The diverse incoming class includes 280 women, or 22 percent of the class, and 17 arrivals from other countries.