West Point is a famous military academy that trains officers for the US Army. In the 19th century, the recruitment of pupils of this academy was carried out according to the so-called principle of favoritism - open competition didn't exist. Each year, 10 cadets were appointed by the president, and in addition, each constituency sent a cadet to West Point.
Classes at the academy lasted four years, at the end of each of which the cadets took exams and those of them who did not score a certain score were ruthlessly expelled. The training system had no analogues in Europe. There was no division into faculties and military courses in the academy. All pupils studied according to the same program, in which the first year was assigned to cavalry, the second to infantry, the third to artillery, and the fourth to engineering troops. Thus, the cadets received a universal education and, if necessary, everyone could become an infantryman, or a cavalryman, or an artilleryman, or a military engineer. Such a non-specialized education proved to be a very successful preparation for war. At the end of West Point, his pupils were released into the army with the rank of 2nd lieutenant and were distributed among the branches of the military, according to their abilities.
America has always treated the achievements of technical progress with attention and respect, and the most capable cadets were assigned to the artillery and engineering troops. From these branches of the armed forces came the most talented generals of the Civil War - (engineer), (all - artillerymen).
The graduates of the academy were a closed, almost aristocratic caste, within which an atmosphere of army friendship and camaraderie dominated. The civil war was a real test for this caste. In both warring armies there was practically no professional officer who did not have friends behind the front line.
By the beginning of the conflict, the US Army had 1,080 officers. Another 900 West Point graduates have already completed their military careers and are living civilian lives. Most of the current officers remained faithful to the oath, 286 people transferred to the service of the Confederation. 114 veterans returned to the service of the Union, and 99 went over to the side of the South.
Such a number of command personnel was insufficient for the successful leadership of the troops. And both sides resorted to the help of officers who had a peaceful profession before the war.
The attitude towards professional officers in the opposing armies was different. In the North, such officers served throughout the war in junior ranks, only a quarter of them received in the end the general's epaulettes.
The Confederation treated these invaluable personnel more responsibly. According to the order (a West Point graduate), officers who did not graduate from the academy could not rise above the brigade commander. That is, the entire senior command staff, from the division commander to the army commander, consisted exclusively of professional military personnel.
As for the "amateur officers", their composition and quality in the armies of the North and South were strikingly different. In the North, a whole stratum of "politician generals" has developed, who before the war were professional politicians and transferred to their new profession all the shortcomings of the former profession. A few of them looked like military men. The majority did great harm to the cause of the North.
But among the non-professional officers there were talented and brave military leaders, on whom the army was kept. For example, a teacher of rhetoric and the foundations of faith, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, managed not only to rise to the rank of major general, but also to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest US military award, for courage and bravery.
In the South, the officers were better prepared for their duties. Among them were many veterans of the Mexican War. The very pre-war life of a planter was a kind of commander's course, since many of the qualities necessary for a good commander were also required for a zealous owner of a large estate. The latter, just like the former, had to lead a large number of people, take care of their food and supply with everything necessary.
The experience, professionalism and talent of the officer corps and generals of the South became another important reason for the longevity of the Confederation. And although northern officers cannot be universally accused of mediocrity and ignorance of their duties, the best examples of military art were nevertheless demonstrated by their opponents.
At the beginning of the war, there were 977 graduates of the Academy of 1833-1861 alive. Of these, 259 people fought on the side of the Confederation, 638 - on the side of the Union. Eight people did not participate in the war for various reasons. 39 natives of the South chose the side of the North, 32 natives of the North chose the side of the South.
Ninety-five academy graduates were killed in the war, 141 were wounded. The graduation of 1854 suffered the greatest losses - almost half of the payroll remained on the battlefields.
Used materials of the "Army of the warring parties" from: Mal K.M. American Civil War (1861-1865): The development of military art and military equipment. Minsk, 2000.
It is the oldest of the five military academies in the United States.
| Military Academy USA (United States Military Academy) (USMA) |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Motto |
English Duty Honor Country (Duty Honor Fatherland) |
| Year of foundation | March 16, 1802 |
| Type | Higher military educational institution |
| superintendent | Lieutenant General Darryl Williams (English) Russian |
| students | 4294 cadets |
| teachers | 580 |
| Location |
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| Campus | 65 km² |
| Legal address | USA USA: West Point, New York |
| Website | www.westpoint.edu |
The Academy is located in West Point, New York, in a picturesque location overlooking the Hudson River, 80 km north of New York City and covers an area of about 65 km², being one of the largest campuses in the world. Almost the entire central academic campus is a place where many historical sites, buildings and monuments are concentrated. Most of the town's buildings are built in the Neo-Gothic style of gray and black granite. Academic City is a popular tourist destination, which is also due to the fact that it houses the oldest museum of the US Army.
Story
The academy itself was founded in 1802. The superintendent of the academy from 1833 was Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, who is considered the "father" of the academy. The main feature of the training system he established was a small number of classroom lessons and a large number of self-performed homework. This system of education continues to this day. Engineering was of great importance. In the first half of the 19th century, West Point graduates designed most of the roads, bridges, and railroads in the United States.
After World War I, Academy Superintendent Douglas MacArthur placed great emphasis on physical fitness and sports, putting forward the slogan "Every cadet should be an athlete."
In 1964, US President Lyndon Johnson increased the number of students at the academy from 2529 to 4417. Subsequently, the number was reduced to 4000, but then again raised to 4400.
In 1976, women were admitted to the academy for training.
Academy admission and training
Candidates for admission must apply directly to the academy, but also receive a recommendation for admission, usually from a member of Congress. Students have the status of officers in training and are referred to as " cadet"(Eng. Cadet). Training at the Military Academy is fully paid by the Army in exchange for the obligation of cadets to enter active service upon graduation. Every year, about 1000 cadets graduate from the academy and receive the rank of 2nd Lieutenant (Second Lieutenant). Academy cadets are required to strictly adhere to the Cadets Honor Code, which states: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate it from others."
Currently, each of the US Congressmen and Vice President has five seats in the academy. When one of them is released due to the graduation of a cadet or for other reasons, the congressman recommends one or more people to the vacant seat. Most often it is ten people. If he recommends several people, a competition is held between them. One, if deemed fit for training, is automatically accepted. The process of getting a recommendation usually involves submitting an application, writing one or more essays, and submitting letters of recommendation.
In addition, every year 100 places are provided for the children of officers, 170 places for soldiers in active service, 20 for cadets of the reserve officer training corps and 65 for the children of those who died in battle, were seriously wounded and became disabled or missing. In addition, about 20 foreign cadets are accepted every year.
Applicant to the academy must be between the ages of 17 and 22, unmarried and not paying child support.
The training lasts 4 years. A graduate of the academy receives a bachelor's degree and is promoted to second lieutenant (Second Lieutenant) with an obligation to serve in the army for 5 years. The academy graduates about 900 lieutenants annually.
The Academy is located in West Point, New York, in a picturesque location overlooking the Hudson River, 80 km north of the city () and covers an area of about 65 km², being one of the largest campuses in the world. Almost the entire central academic campus is a place where many historical sites, buildings and monuments are concentrated. Most of the town's buildings are built in the Neo-Gothic style of gray and black granite. Academic City is a popular tourist destination, which is also due to the fact that it houses the oldest museum of the US Army.
Story
[fort|Military fort]] on the site of the academy was built in 1778 by order of George Washington. The project was drawn up by the Polish officer Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The main task facing the fort was not to let the ships of the British fleet through the Hudson River, for which a large chain was stretched across the river. This fort played a key role in the American Revolutionary War.
The academy itself was founded in 1802. The superintendent of the academy from 1817 to 1833 was Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, who is considered the "father" of the academy. The main feature of the system of education he established was a small number of classroom lessons and a large amount of self-performed homework. This system of education continues to this day. Engineering was of great importance. In the first half of the 19th century, West Point graduates designed most of the roads, bridges, and railroads in the United States.
After World War I, Academy Superintendent Douglas MacArthur placed great emphasis on physical fitness and sports, putting forward the slogan "Every cadet must be an athlete."
In 1964, US President Lyndon Johnson increased the number of students at the academy from 2529 to 4417. Subsequently, the number was reduced to 4000, but then again raised to 4400.
In 1976, women were admitted to the academy for training.
Academy admission and training
Applicants for admission must apply directly to the academy, but also receive a recommendation for admission, usually from a member of Congress. Students have the status of officers in training and are referred to as "Cadet" (Eng. Cadet). Training at the Military Academy is fully paid by the Army in exchange for the obligation of cadets to enter active service upon graduation. Every year, about 1000 cadets graduate from the academy and receive the rank of 2nd Lieutenant (Second Lieutenant). Academy cadets are required to strictly adhere to the Cadets Honor Code, which states: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate it from others."
Currently, each of the US Congressmen and Vice President has five seats in the academy. When one of them is released due to the graduation of a cadet or for other reasons, the congressman recommends one or more people to the vacant seat. Most often it is ten people. If he recommends several people, a competition is held between them. One, if he is recognized as fit for training, is automatically accepted. The process of getting a recommendation usually involves submitting an application, writing one or more essays, and submitting letters of recommendation.
In addition, every year 100 places are provided for the children of officers, 170 places for soldiers in active service, 20 for cadets of the reserve officer training corps and 65 for the children of those who died in battle, were seriously wounded and became disabled or missing. In addition, about 20 foreign cadets are accepted every year.
Applicants to the academy must be between the ages of 17 and 22, unmarried and not paying child support.
The training lasts 4 years. A graduate of the academy receives a bachelor's degree and is promoted to 2nd lieutenant (Second Lieutenant) with an obligation to serve in the army for 5 years. The academy graduates about 900 lieutenants annually.
Organizational structure
1 brigade (4000 cadets) consisting of: 4 regiments (1000 cadets) consisting of: 2 battalions (500 cadets) consisting of: 4 companies (120 cadets) consisting of: 4 platoons (30 cadets) consisting of: 4 departments (7 cadets), consisting of: 2-3 teams (2-3 cadets).This does not include various command posts, the quantitative composition of the units is approximate.
Cooperation with Russian educational institutions
The US Military Academy cooperates with a number of higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation.
Among them, the academy has the closest contacts with the Voronezh state university. The cooperation program between the US Military Academy and VSU began in 2002. Every year 5 cadets of the academy attended summer language and country studies courses at VSU. The program, being regional in nature (Immersion Programm, which includes an intensive course of the Russian language and a cultural and educational program (excursions in e, e).
West Point
Military Academy of the United States of America(English) United States Military Academy ), also known as West Point(English) west point listen)) is the highest federal military educational institution of the United States Army. It is the oldest of the five military academies in the United States.
The Academy is located in West Point, New York, in a picturesque location overlooking the Hudson River, 80 km north of New York City ( 41.393889 , -73.954444 41°23′38″ s. sh. 73°57′16″ W d. / 41.393889° N. sh. 73.954444° W d.(G)) and covers an area of about 65 km², being one of the largest campuses in the world. Almost the entire central academic campus is a place where many historical sites, buildings and monuments are concentrated. Most of the town's buildings are built in the Neo-Gothic style of gray and black granite. Academic City is a popular tourist destination, which is also due to the fact that it houses the oldest museum of the US Army.
Story
The academy itself was founded in 1802. The superintendent of the academy from 1833 was Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, who is considered the "father" of the academy. The main feature of the system of education he established was a small number of classroom lessons and a large amount of self-performed homework. This system of education continues to this day. Engineering was of great importance. In the first half of the 19th century, West Point graduates designed most of the roads, bridges, and railroads in the United States.
Among them, the academy has the closest contacts with the Voronezh State University. The cooperation program between the US Military Academy and VSU began in 2002. Every year 5 cadets of the academy attended summer language and country studies courses at VSU. The program, being regional in nature (Immersion Program, including an intensive course of the Russian language and a cultural and educational program (excursions in Voronezh, Moscow, St. Petersburg).
Since 2006, the program has expanded significantly. VSU accepts cadets not only for summer language courses, but also for semester studies.
When teaching the Russian language, the specifics of a military educational institution are taken into account. Training is partially conducted at the VSU Military Training Center. For cadets, meetings are held with cadets in military educational institutions of Voronezh, the places of battles for Voronezh during the Great Patriotic War, military-historical museums.
The program is a success at the US Military Academy and has received good reviews in the American and Russian press.
In October 2008, as part of an exchange program carried out on the basis of an agreement between the Institute international education VSU and the Department foreign languages The US Military Academy, West Point was visited on a three-week visit by cadets of the UVTs at VSU.
Links
- West Point Tours - authorized tour operator for public tours of USMA
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See what "West Point" is in other dictionaries:
United States Military Academy (USMA) Motto ... Wikipedia
- (West Point) villages. in Orange County amer. state NY, lies at an altitude of 598 feet, above the right bank of the Hudson River. It played an important role during the war for the liberation from the rule of the British, as the most important fortress that commanded the entrance to the river ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron
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The graduation of 1841 at the American military academy at West Point gave the country 12 brigadier generals and 11 major generals. Of the 20 generals, participants civil war, 13 served in the Army of the North and 7 in the Army of the South. 6 graduates died in ... ... Wikipedia
An 1847 graduation from the American Military Academy at West Point gave the country 5 brigadier generals and 8 major generals, including one commander in chief of the Army of the Potomac. Of the 13 generals who participated in the civil war, 11 served in the army ... ... Wikipedia
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West Point Military School- WEST POINT MILITARY SCHOOL (United States Military Academy), in West Point (pc. New York), unity. military student S. Amer. States for the preparation of officers of the ditch of all branches of the armed forces. Staff: 106 people. admin. and educational personnel and 533 ... ... Military Encyclopedia
West Point is the name of the US Military Academy West Point (New York) is a city in the USA in the state of New York ... Wikipedia
US Army officers are required not only to engage in physical training, but also to master technical and command skills, develop discipline and integrity. To develop these qualities, future military men and women can study at one of the three well-known military academies.
2014 class graduation and commissioning ceremonies at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Md.(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
US Naval Academy Cadets Graduation Ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland, 2014(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
These institutions are fully funded by the federal government, and their graduates, in turn, pass a valid military service in the army, navy, marines and air force. These academies are as follows:
Army Military Academy at West Point: This stronghold at West Point in New York State was founded by George Washington himself during the Revolutionary War. In 1802, Thomas Jefferson established the base and turned it into an academy. Today, this academy trains the future commanders for the ground forces.
Naval Academy: Recognizing the importance of both the technical and ethical training of sailors to go to sea, the US Navy established its own academy in 1845 at Annapolis, Maryland. Its students, who are called cadets, after graduating from the academy, join the navy or the marines.
Air Force School: This newest military school was established in 1954, after air Force were separated into a separate branch of the military. Colorado Springs is both an air force base and a higher education institution, after which cadets enter the service in the air force.
Cadets in formation with the Cadet Chapel in the background at the Air Force Academy north of Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo)
Air Force Academy cadets in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the Cadet Chapel in the background. (AP Photo)
The procedure for admission to these educational institutions is exclusively competitive. Applicants must be nominated by a representative of an official authority, such as a member of the US Congress or vice president. Ideal candidates are physically healthy, well-rounded, single American citizens with good academic performance between the ages of 17 and 23. (At the same time, the US Congress may approve the admission of a very small number of foreign students to the school in the interests of developing international military relations).
Since the performance of military duties is currently associated with the use of high technology, these institutions have strong programs in science and mathematics. However, they all train comprehensively educated military personnel, so their programs include the study of languages, culture, literature, philosophy, social studies and others. Of course, one of the languages offered to cadets for study is Russian.
One of distinguishing features military academies is the presence in them of physical training programs. Cadets are supposed to be athletic, and sport is very important in everyday life. One of the most famous matches is the game of American football between the teams of the ground forces and the navy. Every year in Philadelphia, West Point and Naval Academy cadets cheer for their teams as they take to the field and compete in a spirit of mutual respect. At the moment, the teams of the Military Academy of the Ground Forces have won 49 times, and the Naval Academy - 52 times, and they have drawn 7 times.
Left photo: Graduating cadets during a graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Left photo: Graduation of cadets at the Army Military Academy in West Point, New York. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Right photo: Cadets walk between classes at the U.S. Air Force Academy, near Colorado Springs, Colo. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
Right photo: Cadets at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, walk between classes. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
After graduating from these prestigious educational institutions, many cadets occupy leadership positions in their respective branches of the military. In these academies, cadets are not only taught technical literacy and physical fitness, they are given a comprehensive education and knowledge to cope with military duties in an ever-changing world.
More information can be found on the following websites:
Military Academies in the United States
Officers in the U.S. military need to develop not only physical strength but also technical skills, leadership training, discipline and integrity. To inspire these qualities in future soldiers, men and women can be trained at one of three distinguished military academies.
These universities are fully funded by the federal government, and in return graduates serve time on active duty in the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force. The academies are:
The Military Academy at West Point: The fortress on West Point in New York was established by George Washington himself during the Revolutionary War. In 1802, Thomas Jefferson established the base as an academy. Today, it trains 4,000 cadets for leadership roles in the Army.
The Naval Academy: The Navy established its own academy in 1845 in Annapolis, Maryland, realizing the importance of training sailors in both technical skill and ethics before they set sail. Its students, called midshipmen, graduate and enter either the Navy or the Marine Corps.
The Air Force Academy: The newest academy, this school was established in 1954, following the establishment of the Air Force as a separate branch of the military in 1947. The Colorado Springs academy is both an Air Force base and a university, and cadets enter the Air Force after they graduate.
The admissions processes for these schools are uniquely competitive. Applicants must be nominated by an official government source such as a member of Congress or the Vice President. The ideal candidate is academically successful, physically fit and well-rounded. Applicants must be between ages 17 and 23, unmarried, and have American citizenship (although a very limited number of international students may be authorized by Congress to be admitted in the interest of international military relations).
As modern military responsibilities are highly technically advanced, these academies have strong science and math programs. However, each branch realizes the value of well-rounded soldiers, and therefore these schools make an effort to offer classes in languages, culture, literature, philosophy, social sciences, and more. Russian, of course, is one of the languages offered to students at the academies.
One unique aspect of military academies is their athletic programs - students are expected to be athletes, and sports are considered to be important to everyday life. The Army-Navy game is one of the most famous American football rivalries. Every year in Philadelphia, West Point and the Naval Academy cheer on their teams as they face each other in an enormous display of both competition and mutual respect. To date, the Army has won 49 times and the Navy 52, and they have tied 7 times.
After cadets and midshipmen graduate from these prestigious schools, many of them go on to become leaders in their respective military branches. These academies train their students not only to be technically savvy and physically fit, but also well-rounded and knowledgeable, in order to cope with the responsibilities of military life in a changing world.
