Where do we physically report

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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also never realized that West Point or USAFA were closed off to the public.

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USMA is an active Army post. Force protection is in force. To gain access to the post through your private automobile as a civilian you must have good reason, show proper ID and state your business. There are many events on post that are open to the public. Parades are open to the public, as are many concerts, athletic events, etc.
Tours are operated from the visitor center by bus. There are opportunites to get off the bus, i.e. at the plain & trophy point and the chapel etc.
Candidates are invited to shadow a cadet and parents then may have a special tour.
So - no, there is no "walking around" by the general public as there is at USNA.
When we visited USMA with our then candidate, a mom had brought presents and a cake into Grant Hall (cafe) for her daughter for a little birthday party - that was pretty nice.
We, as parents, have 3 "official" times to visit during plebe year: R-Day, A-Day and PPW. After that there are no "Official" times until graduation but that doesn't mean there are not opportunities.</p>

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USMA is an active Army post.

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<p>Ditto with Navy (obviously naval base). I think a huge difference with Navy is location and the fact that its walkable. As I remember, walking from the gate to the dorms at West Point is a bit of a hike. From what I've heard, at USAFA its several miles from that gate to the living area... At USNA, because its already located in a downtown area people can easily get to it by walking because, like the others, civilians can't drive on. Sometimes exceptions are made, but probably the only time I know of for civilians to drive on is as candidates for a CVW. There may have been once or twice when my parents drove on, but nothing really comes to mind</p>

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2010: what do you mean parents can go through a week of plebe summer? That's a new one on me.

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<p>What I mean is that parents- if they so choose- can go through a week of a mock "plebe summer" if they desire! I will have to find out the name of the program, but there is a program where one can participate in a "plebe-week" of sorts- paid of course. It is offered during the summer months. Many of the scout programs take advantage in attending- but I know several parents and siblings who have participated as well.</p>

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USMA is an active Army post. Force protection is in force. To gain access to the post through your private automobile as a civilian you must have good reason, show proper ID and state your business.

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actually, compared to USNA, one can drive onto the base- and park- a bit easier at USMA. The inspection of the vehicle is more rigerous at West Point for sure- but you do not need a DOD or FONA pass (or equivilant) as you need for USNA. You will be asked the purpose of your visit, but a simple statement is enough and there is no official documentation required to again access other than a valid ID. </p>

<p>Parking is allowed, but in designated areas. Certain lots are for DOD and personell only- but there is lots of parking available near Mitchie and down by the river. Granted, everying from the latter is "all up hill," so good walking shoes are a must.</p>

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<p>So - no, there is no "walking around" by the general public as there is at USNA.

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<p>Not true at all.</p>

<p>We visit West Point all the time- and we have been walking the post quite freely for decades now. Crew regattas, football games, lacrosse games, soccer games, gymnastics, visits to the cemetry, sunday brunch at Thayer, Sunday Mass, you name it- all in our private vehicle. </p>

<p>USMA, like USNA, is a historical landmark, funded by public dollars, and open to the public (more or less). And like USNA, it is an active "post." There are sections clearly "off limits" to visitors- including many of the walkways connecting the academic buildings, barracks, Washington Hall, the Library, etc- and like USNA, signs are posted for "no visitors beyond this point" and are well respected. </p>

<p>I have spent many an afternoon enjoying a picnic overlooking the Hudson- and there is not a fall season that I don't get up there to enjoy the view!</p>

<p>Oh- and with a call to the post, one can even arrange to arrive by private boat. </p>

<p>as for opportunities to visit-
there are tons! West Point Parents love to tailgate- just about every sport has an organized parents group supporting it!</p>