You're In The Army Now Trivia Quiz

Answer: Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, during his term as President of the United States, on March 16, 1802 signed the Military Peace Establishment Act, and is responsible for the final establishment of the United States Military Academy at West Point. George Washington had previously surveyed the grounds and the location was a strategic point during the Revolutionary War. Major Jonathan Williams, a grandnephew of Benjamin Franklin, was appointed by Jefferson to supervise its building and develop its curriculum which was to focus on engineering.

The formal opening of the United States Military Academy occurred on July 4, 1802. In the Academy's library there are three portraits which honor those who were a part of West Point's beginning and those portraits are of George Washington, Jonathan Williams, and Thomas Jefferson.

Answer: In the Hudson River Valley of New York State

The United States Military Academy, generally referred to as "West Point", is located in the beautiful and historic Hudson River Valley of New York State. This area is appoximately fifty miles north of New York City. General Washington considered this area with its plateau overlooking the Hudson River as an advantageous site to build a fortification. Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko, was placed in charge of the design and the fortifications of the new fort. Kosciuszko, who later was named a Brigadier General by the Continental Congress, created a one hundred fifty foot iron chain which was placed strategically across the Hudson to bar navigation to the Fort by the British. West Point Military Academy which was once known as Fortress Point in 1778, became the United States Military Academy in 1802.

Answer: Must be sponsored by a Congressman, or Governor, or Vice President, or the President

West Point Military Academy recommends that those seeking enrollment should begin the process during their Junior or third year of high school. They advise securing the recommendation from the Governor of his/her State, a Congressional Representative, the Vice -President, or the President of the United States at that time. Most student applicants fall into the top ten percent of their highschool class. Standard Admission Test Scores, (SATs), generally range between 1100 and 1350 for those admitted. To be accepted into the Academy the applicant must fall into the eighteen to twenty-three age range.

Answer: Beasties

Soon after their high school graduation in June, the new cadets arrive at West Point for their basic training. R-day is the name given to the start of this military procedure. Because of the extensive and grueling basic training, the six week course has a term of endearment known as "Beast" and those cadets participating are known as "Beasties". Each day the cadets will be graded on each aspect of their military training.

The cadets spend their final week of training at Camp Buckner, a military camp, which is on the extensive Academy grounds.

At the end of this week of bivouac living and more military training and activities, the classmates usually create a strong class bond and together will choose their particular class motto.

Answer: Plough

The terms for the four years of schooling at the Academy are: Plebe, Yearling (also known as Yuk), Cow, and Firstie. After surviving their first year, the second year at the Academy has been nicknamed "Yuk". It seems that this second year of study is the no man's level as far as clout.

The Yearling's academic schedule becomes increasingly more difficult; therefore, they have nicknamed the year and themselves as "Yuks". For the second year cadet, at the end of their "Yuk" year, cadets are advised to make a decision about whether they wish to remain and complete their four years of study or to leave the Academy. If the decison to leave is made, the cadet can leave the Academy at the end of his second year without a financial penalty. Upon entering the third year, if the cadet decides to leave, the tuition and board paid by the government for his/her time at the Academy, must be repaid in full to the government.

Answer: Flirtation Walk

Bounded by the Kelleher-Jobes Memorial Arch at the North Entrance of Flirtation Walk, and following the west bank of the Hudson River is the entrance to the path familiarly known as Flirtation Walk. A West Point Cadet may take a date for a walk down this path to the Hudson River.

The walk is usually taken after a Saturday night dance which most frequently is held on the grounds of the Academy. Cadets will be given a citation if they show any display of affection in public but can take the Flirtation Walk and stop under Kissing Rock without a PDA.

The legend is that if the cadets do not kiss their dates while under the rock, the rock will fall and crash to pieces.

Answer: No

The final weeks of June following their graduation is a very popular wedding time for many of the cadets and their loves. There is a firm rule at West Point that there are NO married students. Once graduated, the new officers can use any of the religious buildings for their wedding ceremony.

In the Academy Chapel there is a doorway three-fourths of the way down the aisle on the side of the church. This doorway is commonly known as the "Escape Door". The door is for the bride to use if she has a change of heart. According to our Tour Guide, the door, as far as he knows, has never been used for that reason.

Answer: General MacArthur

From the years 1919 to 1922, Douglas Mac Arthur, at the age of 32, was the youngest Superintendent of the United States Military Academy. MacArthur's history at West Point, which he entered in 1899, is distinguished by his academic prowess, athleticism, and being accompanied by his mother. Mary,(Pinky), Pinkney Hardy MacArthur obtained an apartment close by cadet quarters to be near her son.

As Superintendent, MacArthur also established the First Cadet Honor Committee which was formed in 1922.

It was the first major step toward formalizing the unwritten Honor Code which began in 1922 when Superintendent MacArthur formed the first Cadet Honor Committee. As an athlete, Mac Arthur, during his senior year, managed the West Point (Army) football team. During the first Army-Navy baseball game, he played in the outfield and was awarded a Letter for his play in that game.

As a student in 1903, Douglas Mac Arthur graduated from West Point with honors. According to our Tour Guide, some say MacArthur achieved this distinction because of the watchful eye of his mother.

Answer: Inordinate Pride

The Cadet Honor Code of West Point is "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." If a cadet has a suspicion that an infraction of the honor code by a fellow cadet has occurred and the cadet does not follow the requirements established by the Honor Code on resolving that suspicion then that cadet is also in violation of the honor code.

The time requirement to report a suspected cadet of a rule infraction is usually within twenty-four hours. A cadet who knows of a rule infraction by a cadet and does not report it in a timely manner is also in violation of the toleration portion of the Code of Honor and is subject to the same rules. Once reported a cadet is summoned by a jury of his peers. If the cadet is found guilty then the verdict is reported to the Commandant who gives his recommendation to the Superintendent, who then can impose a penalty. To expel a cadet, the case must go to the Secretary of the Army.

Answer: Second Lieutenant

During their senior year, the cadets can choose in which area of the Army they wish to serve before they are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon their graduation. If the graduating cadet has had a parent(s) who has served in the other United States Military Forces, that cadet may choose to be commissoned in that branch of the Services.

The newly commissioned cadet will be addressed as Lieutenant. The rank of Second Lieutenant in the Army is comparable to the rank of "Ensign" in the United States Navy and Coast Guard. On the uniform of a Second Lieutenant is a gold bar.

As a Second Lieutenant the newly commission officer may have the responsibility to lead a platoon which would consist of a Sergeant and at least two squads. Over the years there have been a few nicknames for Second Lieutenants, such as "shave tail", "second looey", or "butterbar".