West Point History and Mission Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who commanded the 101st Airborne Division on D-Day?

Taylor

What role did Creighton W. Abrams, Jr. have in 1972?

Chief of Staff of the Army

What award did Alexander R. Nininger receive posthumously?

Medal of Honor

What position did Brent Scowcroft hold in the Bush Administration?

National Security Advisor Signup and view all the answers

Which Apollo mission did Edwin E. 'Buzz' Aldrin participate in?

First manned lunar landing Signup and view all the answers

What operations did H. Norman Schwarzkopf lead?

Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm Signup and view all the answers

What is Michael W. Krzyzewski known for?

Head men's basketball coach for Duke University Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first woman graduate of USMA?

Andrea Lee Hollen Signup and view all the answers

What is West Point's mission?

The primary mission 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 and prepared for a career of professional excellence and to serve the nation as an officer in the United States Army. Signup and view all the answers

What are the physical goals of West Point? (Select all that apply)

Commit to a lifetime of optimal physical performance Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Chief of Staff of the Army?

General Mark A. Milley Signup and view all the answers

What does the Army Ethic exemplify?

Duty, Honor, Country Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Moral'?

The internalization of the Army values that results in the knowledge, integrity, and awareness to assess the moral-ethical aspects of every situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Civic'?

Demonstrates the empathy, loyalty, respect, and humility that enable an individual to treat others with dignity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Social'?

Acts with proper decorum in all professional, social, and online environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Performance'?

Possesses the sense of duty, resilience, and grit necessary to accomplish the mission and get results. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Leadership'?

Establishes a safe, positive command climate where everyone thrives while achieving results. Signup and view all the answers

What was the class size at West Point?

Men: 1002, Women: 181, Total: 1183. Applied: 15,408. Signup and view all the answers

How long is the West Point program?

47 months Signup and view all the answers

Describe the USMA program.

It is a fully funded education with cadets receiving an exceptional undergraduate education, culminating in a Bachelor of Science Degree. Signup and view all the answers

What was West Point's first role in our nation's history?

Commanding the plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War. Signup and view all the answers

Who considered West Point to be an important strategic position?

General George Washington Signup and view all the answers

Who did George Washington select to fortify West Point?

Thaddeus Kosciuszko in 1778 Signup and view all the answers

What was West Point called during the Revolutionary War?

Fortress West Point Signup and view all the answers

Has Fortress West Point ever been breached?

No, it was never captured by the British. Signup and view all the answers

What is the oldest occupied military post in the U.S.?

West Point Signup and view all the answers

When was West Point established as an institution?

In 1802 Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the 'father of the military academy'?

Colonel Sylvanus Thayer Signup and view all the answers

What did Colonel Sylvanus Thayer do?

Served as Superintendent from 1817 to 1833 Signup and view all the answers

What curricular changes occurred at USMA after the Civil War?

USMA broadened its curriculum beyond just civil engineering. Signup and view all the answers

What is the graduation requirement from USMA?

Bachelor of Science degrees and commissions in the U.S. Army. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of cadets are women?

20% Signup and view all the answers

How many cadets graduate annually?

900 cadets, about 20% of the required Army lieutenants. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the current superintendent of West Point?

Lieutenant General Darryl A. Williams Signup and view all the answers

What motto combines the ethical code and the Honor Code?

'Duty, Honor, Country' Signup and view all the answers

What was the first graduating class with women?

Class of 1980, with 62 women graduating. Signup and view all the answers

What were the early USMA graduates responsible for?

Railway lines and bridges Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of the Cadet Honor Code?

A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do. Signup and view all the answers

What does West Point's coat of arms represent?

The coat of arms symbolizes values such as honor, duty, and the educational philosophy. Signup and view all the answers

When could women attend West Point?

In 1975 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

West Point Mission and Programs

West Point's mission is to educate, train, and inspire Cadets to be leaders of character, committed to Duty, Honor, Country.
The program spans 47 months and culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree, emphasizing leadership development.

Physical and Ethical Development

Physical goals: excellence, resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to a lifetime of optimal physical performance.
The Army Ethic embodies the values of duty and honor critical for leadership, contributing to the moral and ethical training of cadets.

Historical Significance

West Point, known as Fortress West Point during the Revolutionary War, was considered the most strategic position in America by General George Washington.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko designed fortifications at West Point in 1778, essential for American strategic defense.

Evolution to Military Academy

Established in 1802 through legislation signed by President Thomas Jefferson, evolving from a strategic site to a dedicated military academy.
Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, the "father of the military academy," served as Superintendent from 1817 to 1833, enhancing academic standards and incorporating civil engineering into the curriculum.

War Contributions

Early graduates constructed vital infrastructure, gaining national recognition during the Mexican and Indian wars.
Many notable Civil War figures were USMA graduates, including Generals Grant and Lee, who shaped military strategies on both sides.

Modernization and Inclusivity

Post-WWI reforms under Superintendent Douglas MacArthur diversified the curriculum and formalized the Cadet Honor Code.
Women were first admitted in 1976, leading to the first class of women graduating in 1980, including Andrea Hollen.

Cadet Life and Experience

Enrollment consists of approximately 4,400 cadets, with a diverse academic curriculum that includes 37 majors and 15 minors.
Cadets undergo structured military training during summers, focusing on leadership, physical readiness, and serving active duty.

Leadership and Character Development

The Cadet Honor Code emphasizes integrity, stating, "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."
Key values at West Point focus on pride, discipline, and ethical leadership, contributing to the development of future Army leaders.

Location and Structure

West Point is located 50 miles north of New York City along the Hudson River, featuring small class sizes and a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:6.
Over 100 extracurricular activities are available, promoting a balanced cadet experience beyond academics.

Notable Graduates

West Point has produced influential leaders across history, including Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and H. Norman Schwarzkopf.
The institution emphasizes the legacy of its alumni, contributing to its motto: "Much of the history we teach was made by people we taught."

Recent Developments

The Corps of Cadets size increased significantly in 1964, followed by expansions in facilities.
The West Point Museum, established in 1843, continues to preserve military history and artifacts.

Symbolism and Traditions

The USMA coat of arms features significant symbols: a sword for war, Pallas Athena's helmet for wisdom, and an eagle representing national unity and strength.
Ceremonial colors, established in 1812, reflect the academy's spirit and unity among cadets.

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Description

Test your knowledge about West Point's mission, history, and core objectives. This quiz covers essential concepts and goals related to the U.S. Military Academy. See how well you understand the values that shape future Army leaders.