Contact Information
USMA (US Military Academy) is located in West Point, in the southeastern side of New York. It is only 80 km away from New York City. Aside from the actual academy, the site hosts a wide variety of historical buildings dating from decades ago. Most of the buildings form a national landmark and consist of granite. Other than that, the site is open to tourists on a year round basis and hosts the oldest and most important museum on the United States of America territory. The educational course lasts for 4 years.
In order to join the academy, the prospective cadets must apply. The good news is applications are open to all U.S. citizens who qualify. The government pays for the school, while the graduates must serve the country for a particular period of time. The students are referred to as cadets or officers in training. Close to 1,300 students join the academy at the beginning of every academical year. However, only about 1,000 of them will manage to graduate and earn a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in U.S. Army. Once the course is over, the graduates earn a bachelor’s degree. They must follow and respect the honor code of cadets that forbids lying, cheating or stealing. At the same time, the new graduates are automatically taken in the Army. They rank as second lieutenants.
US Military Academy is unique in the United States of America. It is also one of the oldest such institutions, therefore it successfully managed to influence other schools and colleges. For instance, this was the first American institution that implemented the class rings. In order to support the Army activities, the cadets are taught to respect and help each other. The bonds are created while dining and sleeping together in large camps. The academy used to be famous for the powerful football team that won three championships. At the same time, some of the finest and most important generals trained there, as well as two presidents and 74 recipients of the exclusive Medal of Honor.
History
US Military Academy began training and preparing cadets in 1794. However, its past history as a defensive fort dates from decades ago. Its first major role was in the American Civil War. That is when it gained some popularity, mostly due to the excellent job the cadets and graduates did. By World War I, the Army requirements for officers were significantly increased, therefore the academy tutors decided to shorten the duration of the courses in an attempt to provide as many officers as possible. More classes graduates throughout the war. The only ones left inside were the young cadets that just joined before the armistice.
The academy saw a similar course reschedule during World War Ii and the Cold War. The other conflicts were not as important.
Housing
Once you manage to join US Military Academy, you don’t have to worry about the housing opportunities. You will be hosted on site in one of the multitude of camps. The same rules apply to the tutors and superiors.
