United States Military Academy

• Founded in 1802: The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, was established by President Thomas Jefferson, making it the oldest continuously occupied military post in the U.S. • Historic Battlefield Site: West Point’s strategic position on the Hudson River played a significant role during the American Revolution, serving as a critical defensive fortification against British forces. • Famous Alumni: Notable graduates include Civil War generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and General Norman Schwarzkopf. • The Honor Code: Cadets live by the Honor Code: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do,” which is central to the Academy’s values and training. • The Long Gray Line: This term refers to the unbroken line of West Point graduates stretching back to the Academy’s founding, symbolizing tradition and continuity. • The Army-Navy Game: The annual football rivalry between Army (USMA) and Navy (US Naval Academy) began in 1890 and is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in American sports. • Engineering Legacy: Early in its history, West Point was renowned as the nation’s premier engineering school, and many graduates contributed to building America’s early infrastructure. • Women at West Point: The first female cadets were admitted in 1976. Today, women make up about 20% of the Corps of Cadets. • Thayer’s Reforms: Sylvanus Thayer, known as the “Father of the Military Academy,” served as Superintendent (1817–1833) and reformed the curriculum, discipline, and standards, shaping West Point’s reputation for excellence. • West Point Motto: The Academy’s motto is “Duty, Honor, Country,” encapsulating the values all cadets are expected to uphold throughout their careers.