This rigorous physical program contributes to the mental and physical fitness that is required for service as an officer in the Army. Cadets learn basic military skills, including leadership, through a demanding Military Program which begins on their first day at West Point. Military training is combined with military science instruction to provide a solid military foundation for officership. Moral-ethical development occurs throughout the formal programs as well as a host of activities and experiences available at the Military Academy. These include formal instruction in the important values of the military profession, voluntary religious programs, interaction with staff and faculty role models, and a vigorous guest speaker program.
Admission is open to all young men and women, and is extremely competitive.
Candidates must receive a nomination from a member of Congress or from the Department of the Army. They are then evaluated on their academic, physical and leadership potential. Those candidates who are fully qualified receive appointments to the Academy. A wide variety of religious activities are available to cadets from virtually all religious backgrounds. Today, the Academy graduates more than 900 new officers annually, which represents approximately 25 percent of the new lieutenants required by the Army each year.