Welcome to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. West Point is located on the west bank of the Hudson River, approximately 50 miles north of New York City and 15 miles south of Newburgh. Given the nature of the United States Military Academy, your assignment promises to be unique, rewarding and enjoyable. In addition to being a college campus with academic, social and athletic activities, West Point is a military installation and a National Historical Landmark, as well as a national tourist attraction. Since 1802 when President Jefferson signed legislation establishing the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Military Academy has produced graduates who have contributed to our country in peace and war. Lee, Grant, Pershing, Borman, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Omar Bradley, George Patton, Swartzkopf ...these and other Academy graduates are known as members of the Long Gray Line.
Located just 50 miles north of New York City along the west bank of the Hudson River, the Academy has long been a popular place to visit. By walking around the grounds of West Point, visitors can actually step where history was made and a nation was born. West Point was officially recognized for its historical significance and contributions to the country in 1960 when this rocky highland was declared a National Historic Landmark. It is estimated that almost 3 million tourists from around the world visit here every year to walk the grounds, observe cadets and enjoy a day at West Point.
The Major Command is the United States Military Academy. Cadets are the reason we are here. Today the Corps of Cadets numbers almost 4,000 men and women from every state in the Union as well as several foreign countries and U.S. territories. Almost every facet of life at West Point revolves around the Corps. From providing role models for our nation's future leaders, to supporting Army teams, to sharing a home away from home, the West Point community is an essential ingredient in each cadet's West Point experience.
The Superintendent of the United States Military Academy is also the Commander of the West Point community. The Commandant of Cadets is responsible for the training of the cadets to include discipline, schooling of the soldier, leadership training, physical training, instruction in tactics, and conducting a highly competitive, broad intercollegiate athletic program encompassing female and male team sports. The Dean of the Academic Board is responsible for the academic instruction of the cadets. Upon successful completion of an academically rigorous program, cadets are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. Of core concern is development of character and those moral-ethical traits essential to successful service as a regular Army officer, these traits are epitomized by the Academy's motto: Duty, Honor, Country.
The purpose of the United States Military Academy is "to provide the Nation with leaders of character who serve the common defense." In order to achieve its purpose, the mission of the United States Military Academy is "To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation."
West Point is currently undergoing an extensive Revitalization Program that will greatly improve the quality of cadet life. West Point gives the impression of being geographically isolated because of the river and mountains that must be crossed to reach communities and services other than those found in the Town of Highlands. An automobile is an advantage, as public transportation is very limited. Parking at West Point, however, is quite limited; bicycle and on-post shuttle bus use between quarters and offices is encouraged.
As the oldest continually occupied post in our country's history, West Point is home for more than 1,400 military personnel. Although most military personnel are members of the Academy's staff and faculty and assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 1st Infantry, there are several tenant units and activities to which you may be assigned. The area code for this portion of NY is 845. The DSN prefix 312-688 is used for West Point. The mailing address for residents of West Point is West Point, NY 10996. The emergency assistance number of 911 is in effect for all phones on West Point.
COST OF LIVING:
The cost of living is high in this area. The BAH rates are higher at West Point than in other parts of the country. Waits of up to 9 months for quarters can create a financial hardship. It is preferable for your family ""to remain at your last duty station or make other living arrangements until housing is obtained. Plan to stay in the Army Lodging Facility for a month. There is a possibility that you will need to make additional arrangements to stay at a local motel or in a temporary rental after your 30-day stay at Army Lodging.
All newcomers should have a sponsor from their gaining unit/department prior to arriving at West Point. If you have not been assigned a sponsor, you may request one. The Relocation Readiness Program at Army Community Service offers a sponsorship training program for those who are interested in becoming a sponsor. Contact the Relocation Readiness Program at Army Community Service for more information.
MAIL WHILE EN-ROUTE:
You can use the address on your orders or the address of your unit as your temporary mailing address.
DEERS UPDATE:
To expedite your in-processing with MEDDAC and TRICARE, contact your local DEERS office (as you out process) and change your address to West Point. You can utilize the address printed on your orders as your new address until you obtain local housing in New York.
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