The United States Military Academy at West Point is one of America's oldest and most revered institutions. Founded in 1802, its first mission is to prepare young men and, since 1976, young women to be leaders of character for service as commissioned officers in the United States Army. West Point's success in accomplishing that mission has secured its reputation as the foremost leadership-development institution in the world. Drawing from oral histories, archival sources, and his experiences as a cadet and, later, a faculty member, Betros describes and assesses how well West Point has accomplished its mission. And, while West Point is an impressive institution in many ways, Betros does not hesitate to expose problems and to challenge long-held assumptions. -- From the publisher.

Old West Point: 1802-1902 --|t A lion's mouth: Academy governance --|t The corps starts here: admissions --|t The Athenian academy: academics --|t Sabers and goalposts: the physical program --|t The Spartan academy: military training --|t Toward a four-class system: leader development --|t A corps' mission: building character --|t Conclusion: character and intellect --|t Appendix A. Superintendents --|t Appendix B. Commandants --|t Appendix C. Deans of the academic board --|t Appendix D. Masters of the sword --|t Appendix E. Graduate managers of athletics. Old West Point: 1802-1902 -- A lion's mouth: Academy governance -- The corps starts here: admissions -- The Athenian academy: academics -- Sabers and goalposts: the physical program -- The Spartan academy: military training -- Toward a four-class system: leader development -- A corps' mission: building character -- Conclusion: character and intellect -- Appendix A. Superintendents -- Appendix B. Commandants -- Appendix C. Deans of the academic board -- Appendix D. Masters of the sword -- Appendix E. Graduate managers of athletics.