West Point: The Military College Of Dreams
Michalis "BIG Mike" Kotzakolios
Kotzakoliou, SSA

The military tends to hold a firm grasp upon our romantic notions of life and national service. This is especially true for youth, who often dream of joining the military. This idea is similar to the non-military aspiration of going to university to study for a degree. Often these two considerations converge to thoughts of military college.

While there are many a military college throughout the United States, there is truly “only one” military college that has the respect, history, and prestige of West Point. This article will discuss some of the more general points of interest of “The Point,” both for the person with general interest, and for the prospective student.

The National Military College, commonly referred to as West Point, is nestled in West Point, New York. Created in 1802 by the United States congress and maintained by the Department of the Army, this military college was designed to mold the select elite fortunate enough to be admitted. This began to include women as well, at the eve of America’s bicentennial, in 1976.

The standards for admission are difficult as only 4,417 students are permitted each year. To be a candidate for this most elite military college, one must be unmarried, between the ages of seventeen and twenty-two, academically astute, and have a history of strong ethical principles. One need not be only American, however, as students from Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and other certain other allied nations may be candidates. The list of candidates is ultimately decided by the president, vice president, the governors of certain territories and friendly nations, and congress, amongst a few others.

The academic course at West Point is for a period of 4 years in which cadets will study the social and natural sciences, the humanities, military science, engineering, and other similarly valuable courses. The resulting degree from this military college is a B.S. along with the opportunity to continue on with advanced studies for some students. As well, the students will enter the military as second lieutenants in the army and serve a minimum obligation of 6 years.

Non-academic military training takes place in the summer and for this applicants must also be of sound health and in good physical shape. Despite all of the rigors of the school, students are given a monthly allowance to use for themselves as well as for uniforms, basic upkeep, and text-books.

Being nominated to attend West Point will be but the beginning of a student’s trials at the school. Not only is academic excellence expected, but demanded. As well, West Point is no party school. Military standards are upheld throughout a student’s years in expectation that this will shape each candidate to be a fine example of the military officer.