U.S. Military Academy: West Point, Explained

The Military Academy at West Point has a long history, dating back to the beginning of our nation. Thanks for watching.

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Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

[MrRainjunky]

32 years ago (jesus where has that gone) i travelled across America for a year. I`m a student of history and knew of west points history and so visited the place. Back then before the age of terrorism tourists were allowed to walk around the grounds (i`d imagine that has changed). As i wandered around quite a few students were jogging around the trails. A few stopped and asked if i was alright and if they could help in the finest traditions of an officer and a gentleman. Back then i was 30 and a keen fitness nut and had my running kit in the car. I told one of the students and said if possible i`d love to run around the college. He not only agreed but showed me where i could change and then he (and four of his buddies) took me for a four mile run. Back then I was fast (even if i say so myself) and it got a bit competitive, but in a fun manner not a macho way. I beat them all. They then challenged me to a press up competition and i whopped them there (I used to be able to do 150 non stop and still do 100 every day). What really impressed me most however was the way they took it. They wanted advice on how to improve their running and press ups and were genuinely gracious in defeat. They were a credit to the uniform they hoped to wear and i`ve often wondered what become of them. One of my fondest memories of my time in America.

[randieandjodistrom]

I'm a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colorado. My son is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, My son-in-law's brother is a graduate (and was the Brigade Commander) of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. All of our service academies are outstanding institutions and in beautiful settings, and I encourage everyone to visit them.

[UFCANT]

I’ve done construction in West Point for over 25 years. I’ve seen a lot of cadets get drunk in Highland Falls and do something dumb that ruins their career. My wife was also a MP there and have been told of all kinds of stupidity by cadets. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to get accepted into West Point. Make it count if you’re lucky enough to go there.

[CarlosFlores-gmdv]

West Point is a very nice place to visit. My unit was tasked to provide security there for a football game in 1981. Awesome place by the Hudson. You have to see it to believe it.

[seankim]

I'm applying to West Point right now as a rising high school senior

[waltsears]

Class of 1979 here. I appreciate this over-view. Thanks. I especially like the way you recognized two notable confederate graduates without calling them heroes. We’re going to have to learn to do more of that as a nation. Thanks again.

[getx]

Very scenic campus! I had always wanted to visit in person since i loved the TV series, "The West point Story" in 1956-57.

[PeteGeorge]

My father was the first army accordion soloist at West Point in the late 50s. He played for Eisenhower and Castro.

[billt]

If you have a son or daughter that is smart and even remotely interested in the military, have them go through the process of getting nominated to a military academy. When I was 17 I went through the process for Annapolis (USNA). Myself and two other guys went to meet with out congressman. I wasn't selected (I was happy for the guy who was selected), but the experience of the whole process was unmatched. You get to meet your congress-person for one. But just the experience is something you won't get from just applying to college. I got to talk to a senior who was joining the Marines after graduation. I didn't even no the Marines were part of the Navy back then. Just all around eye-opening for a 17 year old.

[dorseyromano]

I would like to point out that there was the highly acclaimed French Artilleryman's handbook author, Ann Louis de Trussard that first presented to general Washington the idea of a military training facility. He was the acknowledged forgotten founder of West point

[_Mrman]

The original revolutionary war fortifications where designed by the great Polish American military engineer of the revolution Tadeusz Kosciusko.

[rvrschrs]

A great number of generals on both sides of the Civil War were Academy grads. They were often old friends facing each other on the battlefield, particularly at Gettysburg. See "Gods And Generals" a great novelization of the battle hewing close to the facts. I'm surprised that while mentioning Gen. Lee it wasn't brought that he was the commandant of the Point for some years helping to educate the leaders of both sides in the war.

[richardyoung]

I remember when I was in the Army, and when I got out, someone put me in to go to WEST POINT. I figured that I had done my time and I was not a career person. But it was still an HONOR. My father was a MEDIC, during WW2, my brother was a MARINE my other brother did 1 tour VIETNAM me ARMY as a cook. Much of my family have served and my son is a MARINE. I have a friend who is a cook at WEST POINT and he told me stories about the CADETS, WHICH I can't disagree with. Years ago my father called me and asked me if I wanted to work for the ADMIRAL at pearl harbor and I declined the offer because I was in NYC as a CHEF, having worked in some of the best places after graduating from the CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA UPSTATE 1984.I am since retired after spending 50 years in the CULINARY ARTS.

[jamesfair]

I was always proud of my deployment from Ft Campbell the summer of 1983 there. In 1998 I was able to give my mother a tour there to which she saw how beautiful it is there.

[edwardhill]

i was in the regular army and after my time in Vietnam i was stationed at west point until i left the military .The history and pride is steep in that place .A really nice place to be stationed .Close to my home and a beautiful place .My brother asked me if he should transfer from Temple to West Point for he had a congressmen willing to sponser him but i said West Point grads were dying in Vietnam just like anyone else so i begged him not to join the army and live .

[johnf.kennedy]

I’ve been a novice historian of West Point for 30 years and will offer some insight. Am skeptical WP loosened its engineering requirements because other schools opened up to fill that gap as the video indicates. Rather the fact that the curriculum went unchanged for almost 100 years was becoming a contentious issue. So any enhancements to the curriculum were based on the needs of the Army rather than some reciprocating benefit from some distant universities. The language for appointing cadets to the Academy would best be described as a “service connected” nomination rather than individual appointees within the ranks.

[flowzzz]

I just signed up for the Army. I gotta go to Meps tomorrow and hopefully if everything goes well I'll be in! 😎

[christinechoptij]

Amazing place to visit.
Beautiful ride on the Hudson to get to West Point.

Anyone lucky to get accepted in this amazing, should never mess things up.

[roerty]

Very nice video. My daughter graduated from West Point 2 days ago. I will miss it and hope to go back some day.

[stephenfricke]

With the exception of the Coast guard and Merchant Marine academy i have been to Annapolis, Colorado springs and West point. I played club rugby and JV FOOTBALL AT Army. Incredible history, heritage and patronage.