Branch Week at West Point took place from August 31 to September 1. Annually, the Department of Military Instruction Accessions Division plans, coordinates, and executes West Point’s Branch Week to showcase the lethality and capability of the U.S. Army. The week is designed to give cadets a chance to learn more about future career opportunities through interaction with Branch Representatives and U.S. Army equipment staged on the Plain. Photos. View videos: “What is Branch Week?” Summary of Branch Week 2020.

The Army Black Knights opened the 2020 football season on Labor Day Weekend, defeating Middle Tennessee State in a historic 42-0 shutout victory. Army kept the streak going with a 37-7 win in their second game on September 12 against the University of Lousiana-Monroe. Watch the Army Football “Ready to Answer the Call” spirit video. Click to view the Fall 2020 Army Football schedule, and follow WPAOG social media channels to join us for virtual tailgates for upcoming games. GO ARMY!

As several cadets streamed into the second floor of Cullum Hall, the task at hand was simply part of the “new normal” for them — getting swabbed for COVID-19. To fight complacency in a “bubble” environment, USMA has continued its rigorous COVID-19 strategy from the summer with the proactive approach of executing surveillance testing on a weekly basis during the academic year. Currently, as the testing strategy stands, USMA and USMAPS test 2.5% of cadets, about 115 total, randomly per week. In addition, about 1% of the USMA population including DOD civilians, staff and faculty and 10% of clinical health personnel are tested every two weeks. Full story

A person’s attitude can be contagious, and keeping the right people by your side to help you make important decisions can be the difference between being a reliable leader or one that leads his or her subordinates astray. For First Captain Reilly McGinnis, Class of 2021, this has been her personal adage since she began her cadet career at West Point. Serving as First Captain comes with a lot of responsibility, but McGinnis sees herself being a servant-leader for the long haul. Full story.

In a reflective article, CDT John Cote ’22 describes an aspect of this summer’s upperclass Cadet Leader Development training called “Tree Talks,” which fostered cadet discussion on important issues at West Point. Topics such as racism, mental health and sexual assault and harassment were discussed one-to-one in an informal environment after training in active listening. The goal was to develop a better understanding of these issues by listening to the perspective of someone with a different background. And a better understanding leads to more efficient efforts toward solutions. Full story.

Club Night at USMA is usually full of energy and noise. Underclass cadets make their way through tables representing the different clubs at West Point as current members try and convince them to sign up. In one corner, a rock band may be playing as members of the ski patrol wander the entire room with skis in hand. A rock climber sometimes can be found rappelling from the ceiling as a celloist adds to the cacophony of noise. It is a chance for each club to try and recruit new members, whether they are a competitive sport, academic group, religious organization or simply a new hobby for cadets to try out. This year, though, Club Night looked very different, much like every activity taking place at West Point. Full story.

In 1907, Buffalo Soldiers, recognized by many as the best Cavalrymen in the Army, began serving at West Point and teaching Cadets horsemanship, often in the “Riding Hall” that we now know as Thayer Hall, until World War II. This service is recognized annually at West Point. On September 6, the 59th annual Buffalo Soldier Memorial Ceremony was held at Buffalo Soldier Field. Although the public could not attend the ceremony this year due to COVID-19, West Point continues to honor the legacy of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Units of the Buffalo Soldiers stationed at West Point. Photos. View video “Buffalo Soldiers: A West Point History.”

Summer Training looked a little different this year due to COVID-19, but the U.S. Military Academy at West Point still continues to train, educate, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character. View video recap of 2020 West Point Summer Training.

Our Champion Scout Pullover is back! This iconic style features everything you love, including water resistant polyester fabric, and jersey cotton lining for warmth and comfort. Sleek and stylish, you will not want to miss owning this piece of West Point nostalgia. Available for a limited time, only at the WPAOG Gift Shop. Visit us at WPAOGGiftShop.com, or call us today – 1.800.426.4725.

On September 11, 2001, as Americans watched the Twin Towers crumble and a plane crash into the side of the Pentagon, the word terrorism suddenly implanted itself into the consciousness of people nationwide. The events of that day and the desire to better understand the group that orchestrated it led to the creation of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. Since its founding in 2003, researchers at the CTC have worked to define terrorism and study the groups associated with acts of terrorism. Read more.

Reserve your space in the Spring 2021 West Point Authors Bookshelf, a specially-priced advertising section in West Point magazine showcasing books by West Point affiliated authors. Check out the latest West Point Bookshelf in the Winter 2020 issue to discover and support these books. Learn more about this and other WPAOG advertising and sponsorship opportunities.