After the Revolutionary War, George Washington and others suggested that an academy be established to train America's military officers. So in 1802, Congress established the United States Military Academy at West Point, an army fort on the west bank of New York State's Hudson River. Today, young men and women called cadets are still trained there for careers as U.S. Army officers.

Admission to the academy is highly selective, requiring nomination by an elected U.S. official. The four-year program leads to a bachelor of science degree. Tuition, room and board, and a monthly cash allowance to each cadet are paid for by the government. Military training includes instruction in weapons and tactics, and service as a platoon leader with a combat unit. Graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants and must serve in the army for six years.

 

Many of America's greatest military leaders were West Point graduates. In the Civil War, two of them opposed each other: Future President Ulysses S. Grant led Union troops to victory against Confederate forces commanded by Robert E. Lee. Another West Point graduate and future President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was the Supreme Allied Commander in World War II.

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