U.S. Military Academy

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York, also known as West Point, exists to train officers for the U.S. Army. It was founded in 1802 during the administration of President Thomas Jefferson and is the oldest of the U.S. service academies. It has produced a number of historically [Page 1778]significant and highly regarded generals and is a major site for ensuring the ongoing professionalism of the Army. West Point emphasizes both intellectual and character development among its cadets, and while it strives to provide sound academic training, its primary emphasis is on developing leaders who can achieve victory in future wars.