In a perfect world, we would be able to send our children to colleges that were free. There would be no frill courses, but the basics and core courses would be taught, English, science, math, and social sciences. Students would not be taught to hate America, and the high importance of physical fitness would be stressed. Sports would be valued but not ahead of academics, and there would be an accepted and respected code of morality and honesty.
If only such a place existed. Well, there are four such places. The service Academies for the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard are such locations. But admission in some cases is literally an act of Congress to get into them. Tuition is fully paid, and the books are free also. Free meals, and a small salary in the form of a monthly stipend are also included. Here is a basic rundown on the oldest of the four:
West Point: The oldest of the four, it stresses cadet development in four areas, Military, morality-Ethics, physical, and intellectual. Since being founded almost two hundred years ago, West Point Graduates have risen to lead our military and our country (several ex presidents have been West Point Graduates). The four-year process is referred to by many as “The West Point Experience.” Thirty-one courses that are at the core provide a sciences and arts education second to none.
The programs of the other three Academies are based largely on the West Point Model. All of the cadets attending West Point graduate with a B.S. degree, or Bachelor of Science degree. The degree is adjusted and refined, the main point is to train the cadet into what will best serve the Army Officer Corp that its trainees make up. The physical regime at West Point consists of both physical education courses and competitive athletics. Each and every cadet at West Point is required to participate in either an intramural, club, or intercollegiate sport activity each semester of study.
The Military program at West Point is demanding, and intentionally so. Basic military drill, along with other skills is taught. The first year summer is called Beast Barracks, and consists of a sort of “Cadet Basic Training.” The following summer is called Cadet Field Exercises, and held at nearby Camp Buckner.
In their third and fourth summers, West Point Cadets serve with active duty Army units around the world. Often they attend advanced warfare, air assault, or airborne training. This combines sciences instruction with practical training to give a military solid foundation for creating leaders for the Army.
