The United States Military Academy at West Point (also known as West Point, USMA, Army (athletic teams)) is a university that teaches students to become officers in the US Army. Students are called "cadets" and are subject to military rules while studying subjects like engineering and military science for four years. For many years, West Point only taught men, but in 1976 West Point admitted its first female cadets.[5][6] Women currently comprise approximately 15% of entering new cadets.[7]
Military officers compose 75% of the faculty. Civilian professors make up the remaining 25% of faculty positions.[8]
Congress formally authorized and funded West Point on 16 March 1802.[1] West Point was so successful, that military academies were added later for the Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force.
West Point has a very broad sports program. All of its students are required to compete in at least one sport, either at the intramural (i.e., within the school) or intercollegiate (i.e., against other schools) level, in every semester.
The Army intercollegiate sports teams are nicknamed "Black Knights". Most Army teams play in the Patriot League. The football team plays at the highest level, known as Division I FBS, but is independent—not in any conference. The men's ice hockey team plays in Atlantic Hockey.
Murphy, Jr., Bill (2008). In a Time of War: The Proud and Perilous Journey of West Point's Class of 2002. New York: Henry Holt and Co. ISBN978-0-8050-8679-9.
Neff, Casey (2007). Bugle Notes: 99th Volume. West Point, NY: Directorate of Cadet Activities.
Palka, Eugene; Malinowski, Jon C. (2008). Historic Photos of West Point. Nashville, TN: Turner Publishing Company. ISBN978-1-59652-416-3.
West Point: Legend on the Hudson. Montgomery, NY: Walden Printing. 2003. ISBN0-9674209-1-1. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)