West Point Admissions

Words: 1321
Pages: 6

West Point soon began to modernize with its diverse selection of cadets. In the year of 1877, Henry Flipper was the first African American to graduate from West Point (Boyer, 2005). Flipper was bullied and given “The Silence” or a silent treatment by other cadets for four years (Eckhardt, 2007). Flipper had been a former slave and was emancipated in 1865. Flipper endured the silent treatment for four years while other black cadets resigned, or committed suicide (Eckhardt, 2007). Henry Flipper showed that self determination was powerful, which made many more African Americans want to attend and graduate the academy. Women showed that they, too, could graduate from West Point. In the year of 1980, Andrea Lee Hollen was the first woman of the …show more content…
The first day at the academy is known as R-day (Schloesser, 2010). New candidate cadets arrive at the academy with their family members and listen to a brief introduction about the academy (Schloesser, 2010). Then after the speech is concluded, candidates will have 90 seconds to say their goodbyes to their family (Schloesser, 2010). The cadet candidates will then go through the transition into the the military lifestyle process. During Cadet Basic Training, all new cadets will not receive any free time or privilege periods because of intense military requirements (West Point Admissions, n.d.). This harsh transition from civilian to military life can be overwhelming for many new cadets. All new cadets will learn how to properly wear various uniforms, practice drills, march, and how to prepare for inspections (West Point Admissions, n.d.). After the cadet’s first year, or plebe year, rules and restrictions begin to lower. By junior year, cadets are allowed to maintain cars at West Point and earn more vacation free time (West Point Admissions, n.d.). All cadets stay in rooms called the barracks (West Point Admissions, n.d.). The upperclassmen will move into better and more updated barracks overtime. All cadets dine together in the Cadet Mess Hall in Washington Hall (West Point Admissions, n.d.). All meals are planned to meet various nutritional needs for their busy daily schedules. All meals are served in a “family style” order (West Point Admissions, n.d.). The daily …show more content…
Every day is a challenge for the cadets of West Point, but each challenge and hardship brings them a step closer to being an Army officer. Without the Academy, our country would lack the skilled leaders in the military that are so mentally, physically, and emotionally strong. West Point has proven itself successful as a fortress and as a military academy. The USMA serves for one purpose; to create leaders that will serve and protect the United States. There is no doubt that West Point Military Academy is the best leadership institution in the