The U.S. Military Academy at West Point

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point

What is it'

Founded in 1802, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year co-educational federal undergraduate liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. It is the world's preeminent leader development institution and America's first college of engineering.

Its mission remains constant-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. Each class contains 170 slots for enlisted Soldiers from the active-duty Army, National Guard and Army Reserve ranks.

In 2009 the academy was ranked as the "Top College in the Country" by Forbes and this year it has been ranked as the top 14th college in "Top Public Liberal Arts College" by U.S. News & World Report.

What has the Army done'

Everything cadets experience during their 47 months at West Point is focused on developing them for service in our Army. The experience includes opportunities to attend military specialty schools and cultural enrichment opportunities in countries across the globe, and culminates with each cadet earning a Bachelor of Science degree. The training and education opportunities are consistently reviewed to ensure they provide appropriate training in the context of the current operational environment.

Why is it important to the Army'

Military readiness is the Army's main task, and West Point officers serve in capacities as varied as the nation's needs. Because of the breadth of their education and leadership experience, graduates are sought for high-level leadership, including Gen. David H. Petraeus and Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. Many have continued to serve the nation following their military careers, including former U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

What efforts does the Army plan in the future'

Lt. Gen. David H. Huntoon, Jr. will assume command from Lt. Gen. Buster Hagenbeck July 19, 2010, and will be charged with guiding West Point forward during this era of persistent conflict. Huntoon will command the efforts of the faculty and staff to continually assess and improve the Cadet Leader Development System. This training methodology provides for sequential and progressive development in three complementary programs - Academic, Military and Physical - in a moral-ethical environment that promotes exemplary character. 30 years since first commissioning women as part of the graduating class, West Point remains a vehicle for positive change within the Army.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.westpoint.edu/ " target="_blank"> The U.S. Military Academy at West Point </a>

<a href="http://www.goarmysports.com/ " target="_blank"> Army Sports</a>

<a href="http://admissions.usma.edu/ " target="_blank"> West Point admissions</a>

<a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestPointUSMA " target="_blank"> Facebook: West Point</a>

<a href="http://www.facebook.com/westpointparents " target="_blank">Facebook: West Point Parents </a>