What is the history behind West Point Academy?
On March 16, 1802, Congress approved legislation to establish West Point Academy. West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America. According to the Library of Congress, Colonel Sylvanus Thayer was the superintendent of West Point from 1817-1833. Thayer established the high standards of discipline and scholarship that the Academy is known for today. The Academy focused on civil engineering. After graduating, the officers constructed "canals, roads, and railroads to facilitate westward expansion."
Before becoming one of the most prestigious academies for military training in the United States, West Point played a critical role in the Revolutionary War. This military post prevented the British from gaining the upper-hand in the war. West Point controlled the Hudson River area, which prevented British Navigation. The Hudson River was highly valued because it ran through all of New York. The river provided transportation of goods, food, supplies, and communication between the states. However, there were several instances where West Point was almost seized by the British with the help of Benedict Arnold. Arnold was a general in the Continental Army during the War. He continuously got passed over for promotions within the Army and grew frustrated. According to the official Mount Vernon website, Arnold secretly became a part of the British army in 1779, receiving 6,000 pounds in exchange for his treason. He plotted to overtake West Point and capture Washington, but his plan never came to fruition. After the war came to an end, it became apparent that a trained military was needed. Recommendations for a military academy were made in 1790, but Congress dismissed this proposal.
What is the mission of West Point Academy?
The United States Military Academy at West Point explains that its mission is "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army." Graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S Army. They must serve a minimum of five years of active duty and three years in a Reserve Component. The Academy's motto is "Duty, Honor, and Country." Character development, academic excellence, military leadership, and physical development are the primary aspects of the Academy. The character development programs instill the seven ideals of the Army on the cadet: "loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage." Academic excellence is concentrated on "developing critical thinking and creative problem solving skills." West Point offers 35 majors, 15 minors, and 26 research centers. All cadets graduate with a Bachelor of Sciences degree.
How do I get into West Point Academy?
Only 1,000 students are admitted into the Academy each year. It's no surprise that West Point has high standards and requirements to attend the institution. The first step in the application process is filling out the Candidate Questionnaire form. To be admitted, the Academy requires that an individual score a 1340 on the SAT or a 29 on the ACT. The writing component is required for both exams. A school official evaluation is needed. The individual needs four letters of recommendation from an English teacher, math teacher, physics or chemistry teacher, and a recommendation from the fitness instructor that proctored your candidate fitness assessment. In addition to these recommendations, a Congressional nomination is mandated. Nominations should be made by one of your state's' U.S. Congressional Representative or Senator. The applicant must pass the candidate fitness assessment (CFA) which includes the following: "kneeling basketball throw, pull ups or arm-hang, shuffle run, crunches, push-ups, and a one mile timed run." Furthermore, West Point wants individuals that invest in leadership. The Academy is looking to develop lieutenants of the Army and desires someone with strong leadership skills. Students that are admitted into the Academy receive their tuition paid in full, along with room and board, medical and dental insurance, and a monthly stipend.
What about Army Reserves Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)?
Army ROTC is an elective curriculum that is taken with a student's career courses. Many universities and colleges across the United States offer ROTC programs. The program provides individuals with military training and expertise. Those that graduate from the ROTC program are commissioned as an officer in the Army, and they are guaranteed a full or part-time job. The U.S. Army Partnership for the Youth Success (PaYS) connects soldiers with employers. After completion of their military service, the individual is guaranteed a job interview at a company that partners with the PaYS program. Juniors or graduate students must make a commitment to the Army. The Freshmen and Sophomore level classes allow an individual to get a feel for military training and determine of they want to continue down this path. The program offers various drills such as ROTC Basic Camp. This is a 28-day program in Knox, Kentucky that replaces the first two years of ROTC training. ROTC strives to develop leadership and excellence in cadets. The official Army ROTC website provides in-depth information on the expectations and requirements associated with being a cadet.
Overall, West Point and ROTC play a significant role in developing the future officers of the United States Army. They strive to instill leadership qualities in cadets so that they can adequately carry out their duties. We salute those that have made the decision to serve their country and honor their courage.
Department of Defense materials at the OSU Library
The OSU Library has materials from all of the branches of the Department of Defense and historical materials from the U.S. War Department.
For additional information see:
The First African American Graduate of West Point
Read about the Henry Flipper's time at West Point, his military career, and his civilian accomplishments.
Service Academy Nomination Process
The Vice President is able to nominate individuals for the Military, Navy, and Air Force Academies. Read the requirements needed to request a presidential nomination.
United States Department of Defense
The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation’s security.
U.S. Army
"The Army is the largest military branch in the United States. Its job is to protect the country and its citizens." Learn how to serve in the army, the vehicles & equipment used, benefits, & career options.
National Museum of the U.S. Army
"The National Museum of the United States Army will serve as the capstone of the Army Museum Enterprise and provide the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions. The National Army Museum will celebrate the selfless service and sacrifice of over 30 million men and women who have worn the Army uniform since 1775."
Defense Technical Information Center
Search more than 1 million final reports on Defense funded research, development, test and evaluation activities. See Collections.
~Emily Hancz
Comments