Upon admission to the Military academy, each cadet takes an oath of allegiance and agrees to serve in the armed forces of the United States for not less than three years from the date of his graduation unless sooner discharged by competent authority. The normal course at the Military academy is four years. The academic year lasts from August to May, inclusive. During the months of June, July and August, each class receives one month's leave. The remaining two months are devoted to military training.
All cadets receive the same military training and pursue the same academic course.
The main buildings of the academy and the Cadet chapel above them are all constructed of native granite in the Gothic style. In addition to the buildings of the Military academy there are several monuments, the most prominent of which is Battle monument, erected to the memory of the officers and men of the regular army who fell during the Civil War in the defense of the Union. On Trophy point are many cannon, relics of U.S. wars and several links,of the great chain that was stretched across the Hudson at West Point during the Revolution. Buffalo Soldier Field was named in honor of the men of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiments. The plaque dedicating the Field is mounted at the corner of Thayer and Mills Intersection, and depicts the history the two units.