Services
CHAPELS
West Point has some of the most beautiful chapels in the military. The Cadet Chapel is a magnificent Gothic cathedral set high on the hillside overlooking the Plain. It has one of the largest pipe organs in the world, containing more than 23,000 pipes, and holds Protestant worship services every Sunday. The Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity holds worship services for Roman Catholics at West Point. The West Point Jewish Chapel, home of the academy’s Jewish religious support program, serves as the site for Jewish cadet worship, denominational activities for the community and hosts an array of academy functions. The Post Chapel accommodates community worship services and youth activities. The Old Cadet Chapel, located in the West Point cemetery, was the original chapel at West Point. It accommodates regular denominational worship services, funerals and memorial services.
Religious programs at West Point include several denominational congregations that meet in auditoriums, lecture halls and chapels on post. The Protestant Sunday School and Catholic Religious Education classes meet in Thayer Hall. The Latter-Day Saints congregation holds Sunday school programs and worship services in the academic buildings. Sunday services are also offered by both the Lutherans who meet in the Old Cadet Chapel as well as the Gospel Congregation, which meets in the Post Chapel. Episcopal services are held just outside Thayer Gate at the local church in Highland Falls. Orthodox services take place on Sunday in St. Martin’s Chapel in the lower level of the Cadet Chapel during the academic year.
Opportunities to serve others are offered through the many congregations at West Point. Participation in the choirs, worship services, Sunday schools and youth groups are open to cadets, Soldiers, family members and others in the community. Dynamic programs for high school students and junior high youth are available through the West Point Youth Ministry, MCYM Club Beyond. Youngsters can attend children’s church programs at several of the chapels during worship services or the AWANA program on Sunday evenings during the academic year.
A diverse and dynamic retreat program provides a variety of groups the opportunity for weekends of focus away from West Point. The Men of the Chapel have a monthly prayer breakfast and Women of the Chapel provide weekly Bible study and fellowship activities. More than 16 religious groups meet in the cadet area during the week. The chaplains also work closely with the Soldier ministries and family programs at West Point.
COMMAND STAFF
The Superintendent exercises military command, control and governance over the U.S. Military Academy and the West Point Military Reservation. He also controls the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School. The Commandant of Cadets is the commander of the Corps of Cadets and directs the military and physical programs. The Dean of the Academic Board directs the academic program, coordinating the activities of the academic departments and the Jefferson Hall Library and Learning Center. The Garrison Commander is the principal executive in matters of installation management and support and services provided to all elements of the academy.
Other members of the Superintendent’s command staff are the USMA Chief of Staff, the Director of Admissions, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Commandant of USMAPS.
COMMAND INFORMATION
NEWSPAPER
The Pointer View is a free, weekly command information newspaper for the West Point community produced by the Pointer View staff, part of the West Point Directorate of Public Affairs and Communications. It features a variety of news, features and updates primarily on local happenings as well as an assortment of other items of interest and command information for the population at West Point and the local community.
A civilian contractor sells the advertising and prints the paper at no cost to the government. The contractor delivers the paper (currently on Thursdays) to military housing and to various post locations such as the PX, Commissary and hospital, as well as other buildings throughout the installation. Many offices receive the paper through distribution.
Since the newspaper’s objective is to inform the community, community members are encouraged to submit editorials, commentaries, news articles, feature stories, announcements and photographs. The deadline for any story is Monday at noon for the Thursday newspaper, but those wanting to submit article should call the Editor prior to submission to determine space and newspaper requirements. Editorial offices are located in Room 100, Taylor Hall. Call 938-2015 for more information.
WEST POINT GUIDE AND DIRECTORY
The West Point Guide and Directory is a free command information product published biennially by a civilian publisher for the West Point community. Members of the West Point Directorate of Public Affairs and Communications staff provide content.
This informative book describes the various activities throughout the installation and contains a comprehensive telephone directory for all the activities at West Point. If you find an error in the Directory, call 938-8366. There is also emergency information and local advertising.
Every set of quarters receives at least one book, while offices receive their copies through the Mail and Distribution system. For additional copies, contact the Mail and Distribution Center in Bldg. 646 at 938-2964/2963.
TELEVISION
The Directorate of Public Affairs and Communications also controls West Point’s command information television channel. It provides a 24-hour community bulletin board and special-interest programs. Residents who purchase cable television services receive CITV (Channel 8 and 23 on West Point). CITV is also available in offices throughout West Point.
The bulletin board posts information such as club meetings, road closures, lecture schedules and power outages. Community members may submit information for posting by calling 938-4567/2127 or by sending a fax to 446-5820 or 446-5754.
Cultural, educational and local programs are also cablecast for the community’s information and entertainment. Programs are listed in the Pointer View and on CITV.
ELECTRONIC INFORMATION SIGNS
The Directorate of Public Affairs and Communications also controls West Point’s electronic information signs, which are located inside the Thayer, Stony Lonesome and Washington gates. They provide brief general information highlights for the community of upcoming events and emergency information.
Community members may submit information for posting by calling 938-4567/2127 or by sending a fax to 446-5820 or 446-5754.
HOUSING
The Residential Communities Initiative Housing Office is located in Bldg. 2101, 4th floor and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Their telephone numbers are 1-800-654-8845 or 938-4500.
RCI Office, Bldg. 2101 - On Aug. 1, 2008, on-post Family housing transitioned to privatized operations under the Army’s RCI program. Balfour Beatty Communities is the West Point privatization partner and performs all the traditional family housing functions––assignments, terminations, operations and maintenance. In addition, they are renovating most of the houses on West Point and constructing new houses in Stony Lonesome I. The RCI Office is responsible for project oversight and asset management and coordination between Balfour Beatty and the West Point Community. For answers to questions, call 938-5948 or 938-2500.
Housing Services Office, Bldg. 2101 - All incoming personnel must in process first through the HSO after signing in for duty and in processing with the Adjutant General’s Office for on-post and off-post housing. Personnel will then be referred to the appropriate office for the desired Housing, e.g. Balfour Beatty Communities for family housing on post, HSO for off-post housing.
On-Post Family Housing - The Balfour Beatty Communities Management Office of the Community Manager and Assistant Community Manager are in Bldg. 132 and can be reached at 446-6407.
The Balfour Beatty Maintenance Office is in Bldg. 695 and the Facilities Manager for work orders and emergencies can be reached at 446-3570.
The Balfour Beatty Project Director is located in Bldg. 2101. The phone number is 646-3960 and the Web site is www.westpointfamilyhousing.com.
Balfour Beatty Communities Project Director - The Project Director is responsible for all BBC functions on West Point to include community management, new construction and the renovation program. He also works daily with the installation RCI Office and the Garrison Commander to maintain the project partnership.
Off-post Housing - The Housing Services Office is located in Bldg. 2101, 4th floor. The phone numbers are 938-2500 or 938-6205 and the Web site is www.usma.edu/dhpw/Housing/housing2.htm.
The HSO provides assistance and help in locating housing off post for married, unaccompanied and single personnel. They maintain listings of available and suitable apartments, townhouses and single-family homes for rent in the local communities, as well as information on homes for sale and area information. The service is provided to military members, their families and Dept. of Army civilians.
The Automated Housing Referral Network at www.ahrn.com is maintained by the HSO. AHRN, a DOD-sponsored free Web site, is a useful tool for searching area rental listings, temporary lodging information and military-for-sale-by-owner listings.
UNACCOMPANIED PERSONNEL
There are no unaccompanied personnel housing units available for unaccompanied officer and enlisted personnel (E-6 and above). The Housing Services Office, located in Bldg. 2101, provides assistance in finding suitable off-post housing. Their phone number is 938-2500/6205. Inbound personnel are required to contact the HSO prior to entering into a lease agreement. The Automated Housing Referral Network at www.ahrn.com provides listings of available area rentals; apartments, townhouses and houses. Unaccompanied personnel can also check with Balfour Beatty Communities for availability of vacant units that they may have available on post at 446-6407.
COMMUNITY LIFE
A good way to find out about the neighborhood when you first move on post is to contact the mayor of your housing area. The mayor represents your community at regular meetings with post officials and reports on activities and issues. This gives the command a direct communication link with the concerns and opinions of community members.
Balfour Beatty Communities has an excellent LifeWorks program that is executed in coordination with the installation Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. The intent of the program is to offer residents opportunities to get to know their neighborhood and neighbors. Weekly events designed for families and children are conducted weekly. For specific information, read the weekly BBC Newsletter sent via e-mail to all residents or contact LifeWorks at 446-6407.
FAMILY QUARTERS
Senior Officer Quarters have from 2,600 to 6,000 net square feet with five or six bedrooms and two or three baths. Built between 1826 and 1932, the architectural style of these units varies. A majority are either English Tudor or Center Hall Colonial. They are located in the Lusk area and along Thayer, Wilson and Washington roads.
Lee Housing, a subcategory of field-grade quarters, consists of new and old doubles and “quints” (quintets) and “trips” (triples). Constructed in the 1930s, the units feature three or four bedrooms, two or three baths, detached or attached garages, and have 1,100 to 1,425 net square feet of living space. Except for the center units of the quints and trips, all units have full basements.
Stony Lonesome I offers quarters for field-grade officers and senior NCOs. Begun in 2010, Stony Lonesome I is the newest housing area at West Point.
The units are two-story, single-family homes joined at the garage. They do not have basements, but have two-car garages. The units have three to four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. Floor plans are similar for all units and have central air conditioning. The units have 1,800 to 2,200 net square feet, excluding exterior storage. Some one-story handicapped-accessible units are included in the housing area.
Stony Lonesome II is a newer housing area adjacent to Stony Lonesome I for senior NCOs and company-grade officers. The three- and four-bedroom, 1,350 and 1,450 net square feet, manufactured units have detached garages and central air conditioning. Spacious exterior storage is located adjacent to the garages. The 118-unit area is arranged in one 30-unit cluster, one 32-unit cluster and one 56-unit cluster with ample parking. Each cluster has play areas and tot lots. Some handicap-accessible units are included in the housing area.
North Apartments are field grade quarters while South Apartments are for company-grade officers. They are primarily two-bedroom (some one-bedroom), one-bath units located in Bldgs. 114 and 40. The North and South apartment buildings were built in 1919. The apartments are approximately 882 net square feet. Some units contain fireplaces, exterior open or enclosed porches and detached garages. All units have assigned basement storage space.
Merritt Road quarters, for senior enlisted Soldiers, are two-story, three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath, brick duplex units with basements. Built in 1931, they have approximately 1,382 net square feet, excluding the attached garage and sun porch. Some of the units have been converted from duplexes to single-family homes. The converted home are approximately 2,500 net square feet with four bedrooms, two full baths and two half baths.
The Band quarters were formerly restricted to enlisted Soldiers of the West Point Band. However, now BBC is assigning all SNCOs to these homes. These quarters were built in 1932 and are basically the same as those on Merritt Road. Some units have also been converted.
New Brick quarters were built in 1962. These field-grade units have three bedrooms, two baths and are duplex and triplex units with approximately 1,400 net square feet. They do not have basements or garages.
Old Brick quarters, constructed in 1949, are company-grade and enlisted, three-bedroom, one bath, row homes with full basements and no garages. Each has approximately 1,230 net square feet, excluding the basement. Some of the units have been combined to form a single-family unit of approximately 2,400 net square feet.
Bartlett Loop quarters are for enlisted personnel. They are four- and five-bedroom, two-bath, frame construction duplex units having approximately 1,389 net square feet. Constructed in 1948, they have shared basements and no garages.
Grey Ghost quarters, completed in 1999, are newer family housing units at West Point. This housing area, designed for senior NCOs and field grade officers, replaced the 1950s era Capehart-style housing with modern four and five bedroom, two-and-one-half bath, centrally air-conditioned townhouses. All have attached garages and storage sheds. The “whole neighborhood” concept was used in the reconstruction of Grey Ghost, incorporating all new underground utilities, playgrounds, new roads, extensive landscaping and handicap-accessible sidewalks.
Other quarters: West Point also has older (1870-1900) single-family, duplex and apartment quarters that have from two to six bedrooms and one to three baths. Some are brick, while others are frame construction. Most have basements and approximately 1,200 to 3,000 net square feet. Several have detached garages. Assignment is according to grade category designation.
RECYCLING
Recycling is mandatory for all residents and employees at West Point. The following is recycled––glass, cardboard, newspapers, phone books, junk mail and all other paper products, plastics, tin/aluminum cans, aluminum foil and pans.
Glass-bottles and jars––empty, rinse them out, labels can stay on.
Newspaper may be bundled no higher than 12 inches and tied with string or placed loose in the paper recycle bin.
Plastic products––soda, milk, shampoo, cooking oil and ketchup containers; lids and meat trays labeled with a triangle and a number (1-7). Empty and rinse. Discard caps. Do not include motor oil, transmission fluid bottles, toys, laundry baskets, furniture or plastic bags, even if they are made out of No. 1 or 2 plastics.
Tin/aluminum cans, aluminum foil and pans––rinse cans and pans. Do not include aerosol cans, chemical or hazardous material containers.
Used motor oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze may be recycled at the Auto Craft Shop. Call 938-2074.
In New York, returnable bottles and cans have a deposit. You can return them for a refund, usually at the place of purchase, or at various recycling centers in the area or the West Point Shoppette.
Housing residents should contact Balfour Beatty Communities for trash and recycling schedules and details.
Any questions regarding recycling at West Point, call 938-4281.
EDUCATION CENTER
The Education Center provides educational opportunities to enhance the quality of life within the entire military community and offers personal and professional growth through career development and voluntary education programs.
The center’s programs include basic skills training, college degree programs, educational counseling services, financial aid guidance and military and civilian testing programs. Information about Veterans’ Education Benefits is also available through our counselors. The Center is located in Bldg. 683 or call 938-3762 to reach us.
SCHOOLS
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
West Point Elementary and Middle Schools belong to the Department of Defense Education Activity’s stateside branch, DDESS.
The elementary school serves children in grades Pre K-4 and the middle school serves children in grades 5-8.
All students (K-8) receive instruction in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health, art, music, physical education and computer skills.
Students in grades K–3 take Spanish Language classes three times a week for 30 minutes. Middle school students may enroll in Spanish and Algebra classes for high school credit.
There is a wealth of after-school activities and clubs including vocal music, drama, cross country and track and field.
An extensive special education program is in place for grades Pre K–8 and gifted education services are provided for students in grades 1-8.
Although the schools are separate, they share the same calendar, facilities and in some cases, staff members.
The school year runs from mid-August to early June.
The WPMS office is open from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call 938-2923. The school Web site address is http://www.am.dodea.edu/NY_VA/westpoint/middle/.
The WPES office is open from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For more information, call 938-2313. The school Web site address is http://www.am.dodea.edu/NY_VA/westpoint/elementary/.
Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Highland Falls provides Catholic education for pre-K through 8. Call 446-2674 for information or go to www.sacredheartofjesushf.org.
High school students living at West Point attend the James I. O’Neill High School in Highland Falls. Call 446-4914 for information or go to www.hffmsd.org.
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
Army Community Service is the primary resource agency delivering support services tailored to the needs of the extended West Point Community. ACS offers real life solutions for successful Army living by providing a broad range of proactive educational opportunities, individualized counseling and coaching services.
Located in Bldg. 622, the main phone numbers are 938-4621/2519. ACS programs support Soldiers and their families from first assignment through separation or retirement. The following are some of the programs available here:
- The Information, Referral & Follow-Up Program is a centralized point for information and referral to a comprehensive network of internal and external agencies, services and programs; crisis intervention and in processing.
- The Family Advocacy Program focuses on delivering services that strengthen Army families by providing the tools to maintain safe and nurturing environments. Classes include Parenting, a Wee-Ones playgroup, couples communication and stress and anger management. Services include victim advocacy and sexual assault prevention and response.
- The Soldier and Family Assistance Center provides assistance and support services for Wounded Warriors, wounded Department of Defense Civilians, and their families in the West Point community, throughout N.Y., N.J., Conn., Mass. and R.I. and throughout the Northeast as needed.
- The Exceptional Family Member Program provides comprehensive and coordinated community support to family members with special needs.
- The Financial Readiness Program offers expansive educational programming in the following areas––successful money management, budget counseling, proper use of credit, saving and investing for the future and consumer education. The Army Emergency Relief Program provides no interest loans and grants to active duty and retired Soldiers and their families in times of financial distress.
- The Employment Readiness Program offers a full range of employment assistance to Soldiers and family members with job search, career development and other related services including career coaching and testing, resume writing assistance, job search assistance and executive transition workshops.
- The Mobilization and Deployment Readiness Program helps Soldiers and families during all phases of deployment and SSO. Assistance includes: reunion and reintegration workshops, assistance with Family Care Plans, Soldier Readiness Processing, Video Teleconferencing, Family Readiness Group training and monthly Waiting Families Support Group meetings.
- The Relocation Readiness Program supports America’s mobile Army through educational training, guidance and outreach efforts. Services include welcome packets, newcomer orientation, a lending closet, cultural adaptation and ESL classes, sponsorship training, OCONUS orientation briefings and out-processing.
- The Army Family Action Plan is a grassroots level program that gives a voice to all members of America’s Army. The annual AFAP Conference provides a forum where the Total Army Family can express quality-of-life concerns and promote effective change.
- Army Family Team Building, a volunteer-led organization, provides training to support the total Army effort. AFTB’s mission is to educate and train America’s Army in the knowledge, skills and behaviors designed to prepare our Army families to move successfully into the future. Classes are available at the ACS Center or online at www.aftb.org.
WEST POINT CRAFT SHOP
The West Point Craft Shop in Bldg. 648 (behind the Post Office) offers equipment for matting and framing as well as classes in stained glass, framing, stepping stones and 3D stars. Staff is always available to assist you in your projects and can arrange for special classes on request. Celebrate your child’s next birthday with a craft themed party — call the Craft Shop for details. Hours are Tues. and Thurs. 3-9 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The shop is closed Mon. and Sun. and open Wed. and Fri. by appointment only. For more information, call 938-4812.
WEST POINT AUTO SHOP
The West Point Auto Shop in Bldg. 648 offers equipment and tools for authorized users caring for their own vehicles. The shop also offers NYS vehicle inspections, as well as same-day vehicle repair service such as tune-ups, exhaust replacement, brakes
and radiator repair, and flush and fill. Hours of
operation are Tues.-Thurs. 1-9 p.m. and Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The shop is closed football Saturdays and holidays. For more information, call 938-2074.
BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SINGLE SOLDIERS (BOSS)
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program supports the overall quality of life for single Soldiers and identifies with their issues and concerns by recommending improvements through the chain of command. BOSS offers several trips throughout the year to include Six Flags, ski/snowboarding, cruises on the Hudson and more. The Buffalo Soldier Pavilion, located next to the Post Veterinarian, is designated as the BOSS recreation center. For more information, call 938-6497.
BOWLING CENTER
The West Point Bowling Center is a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned, 10-lane bowling facility complete with Lil’ Skeeters BBQ and Primo’s Pizza restaurants. Stop in for lunch or dinner and try the mouth-watering southern BBQ, freshly-made pizza, homemade chili, sandwiches, salads and more. Leagues and open bowling are available or have fun with Galactic bowling Fridays and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. The West Point Bowling Center specializes in parties––stop by for party package info. The center
is open seven days a week.
YOUTH SERVICES
Child, Youth and School Services provides youths with outlets to be creative and enjoy activities they may never have considered before. These programs provide safe, nurturing environments that promote physical, intellectual, creative, cultural, emotional and social development. All programs strive to foster a positive self-concept in each child. By integrating curriculum, environments, activities and personal interactions, CYSS provides a supportive and accepting atmosphere for everyone.
West Point Youth Services offers a full range of social, cultural, instructional and athletic programs. Their leadership programs are one way of providing youth an opportunity for leadership development and a voice in the community. The Keystone Club, Torch Club and Youth of the Year organizations are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America programs that help children build upon their leadership skills. To further this development, YS uses various programs such as Money Matters, Job Ready, Digital Arts Suites and a Fine Arts Competition as part of their curriculum. The West Point youth program has been nationally recognized for excellence by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the National Parks & Recreation Association.
In addition to the Boys & Girls Club programs, the Youth Center offers 4-H, sports and fitness activities, a technology center, a cooking club and numerous volunteer
activities.
Youth Center members frequently go on field trips both on and off post. The children within the community help determine the curriculum and trip destinations.
The Center is located in Bldg. 500 on Washington Road near the West Point Schools. For more information about the Youth Services program, call 938-3727 or go to www.westpointmwr.com
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
Child Development Services provides quality care options for children of military personnel and eligible DOD civilian personnel. The program options include full-day, part-day, hourly care, Family Child Care and Outreach Services. These programs offer safe, healthy and stimulating environments while providing developmental activities with loving care.
The Stony CDC is located in Bldg. 1207. It provides child care from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. for children six weeks through pre kindergarten age. The Lee CDC is located in Bldg. 140. It provides hourly care for ages 2-5 from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., part-day preschool, after school kindergarten, SKIES classes and a learning center to support homework and technology enhancement for grades 1-5.
The Family Child Care program is for 4-week old infants through 12-year-olds who are best cared for in a home setting. The FCC homes at West Point offer hourly, full-day and part-day care and are particularly invaluable to parents whose work hours exceed those of the CDC and SAS programs. Fees are based on total family income and registration is required. For more information, call 938-4458.
POST LIBRARY
The West Point Post Library in Bldg. 622 provides the community with an assortment of reading materials for all ages. Other services include a paperback book exchange, audio books, music CDs, art prints, a copy machine and tax forms. A preschool story hour is held in the children’s section every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from October through May. Children ages 3-12 can participate in a reading program conducted during the summer months. For more information, call 938-2974.
LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES
Leisure Travel Services, located with the Fitness Center in Bldg. 683, provides trips to local and regional attractions. It also offers information on military travel, lodging, military recreation areas, train schedules and discounts to Six Flags Great Adventure, Sesame Place and Hershey Park. LTS is a registration site for defensive driving classes and hunting and fishing licenses. Eligible patrons include cadets, active-duty and retired military personnel, DOD civilians and guests. For more information, call 938-3601.
