There is a strong religious environment at West Point with chapel services available on post and opportunities for special religious observances. Retreats, Fellowship of Christian Athletes conferences, choirs, discussion groups and Sunday school teaching are coordinated by the numerous religious affiliations at the Academy. A large and enthusiastic group of cadets participates regularly in religious activities. Women were first enrolled at West Point in July of 1976 and now number nearly 15 percent of each incoming class. Women take the same academic courses and participate in the same physical education courses as men, with one exception.
Female cadets take a self-defense course instead of boxing and wrestling.
Women have an interest in West Point for the same reasons men choose the Military Academy. They want the academic, physical and leadership challenges and opportunities that are available to them, and the variety of career options following graduation. The code is both a vital and valued tradition, helping cadets foster a commitment to moral-ethical excellence. It also helps them gain a better understanding of the more comprehensive professional military ethic that is the cornerstone of the Officer Corps.