US Military Academy Corp of Cadets

• Founding Date: The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and its Corps of Cadets were established in 1802, making it the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States. • Cadet Honor Code: The Corps of Cadets lives by the Honor Code: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do," which is strictly enforced and forms the backbone of cadet life. • The Long Gray Line: The term refers to the unbroken chain of USMA graduates stretching back to 1802, symbolizing the enduring legacy and tradition of the Corps. • First African American Graduate: Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African American to graduate from West Point in 1877, overcoming significant racial adversity. • The Goat and The Star Man: At graduation, the top academic cadet is called the "Star Man," while the cadet with the lowest academic standing who still graduates is affectionately known as "the Goat," a title celebrated with cheers and coin collections. • All-Male Until 1976: The Corps remained all-male until 1976, when women were first admitted; today, women make up about 20% of the Corps. • Role in the Civil War: During the American Civil War, more than 1000 USMA graduates served as generals on both the Union and Confederate sides, including Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. • Class Ring Tradition: West Point is credited with creating the first class ring in 1835, a tradition that has since been adopted by military and civilian academies around the world. • March Back: Each summer, new cadets ("plebes") complete a challenging 12-mile "March Back" from field training, symbolizing their formal entry into the Corps of Cadets. • Historic Parades: The Corps of Cadets is famous for its precision parades on "The Plain," a tradition dating back over 200 years, often attended by presidents, dignitaries, and visitors from around the world.