If you’re heading to West Point as a cadet, congratulations!You’re about to embark on the most rewarding and rigorous experience of your life so far. The U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, is one of America’s most prestigious military institutions of higher learning. For generations, West Point has been associated with developing cadets into capable soldiers. These days, the mission remains the same.Related: The complete hater’s guide to the US NavyGraduates sometimes refer to the academy as “Army” or “the Long Gray Line,” signifying the ties that bind all West Pointers.Built by the Continental Army a mere 50 miles from New York City, West Point is nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley. It sits high on cliffs overlooking the Hudson River. Of the five American military academies, West Point is the oldest. West Point History It got its start in 1778 as a fort.After President Thomas Jefferson decided the country needed a military academy in 1801, West Point opened its doors a year later. These days, the campus is an official national landmark and its buildings draw large crowds of tourists who want to check out the oldest Army museum and the campus’ Norman-style buildings.In any given semester, more than 4,000 cadets call West Point home. The garrison includes active-duty service members and families along with civilian contractors.West Point was the first American college to have an accredited civil engineering program. It was also the first to have class rings, way back in 1835. Notable Alumni Brig. Gen. John J. Pershing and his 8th Infantry work with Philippine Scouts to end the grip of Moro pirates in the region. (U.S. Army) As you might expect, notable alumni from The Long Gray Line including military leaders, politicians, and others.Famed generals like Ulysses S. Grant, John Pershing, and Norman Schwarzkopf were all once plebes at West Point.Plenty of other notable leaders spent time at West Point, too. Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, graduated in 1951. President Dwight D. Eisenhower graduated way back in 1915, and Douglas MacArthur, a Medal of Honor recipient, finished his studies at West Point in 1903.Additionally, the academy routinely produces Marshall and Rhodes scholars. American poet Edgar Allen Poe attended West Point, as did the presidents of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the Philippines. How Future Cadets Get into West Point There’s no sugarcoating it. Admission to West Point is tough but not impossible.On average, about 14,000 hopeful cadets apply each year. Of those, about 1,300 are appointed. When you step on campus, you’re a candidate. You can call yourself a West Pointer only after you graduate.In order to apply, you need a nomination from a member of Congress, the president, or the vice president. The majority of nominations are congressional. Your state’s congressional representative or senator can offer a nomination.You’ll need to write a letter. Most often, children of career military personnel and JROTC cadets have a better chance of receiving a service-connected nomination. Be sure you apply for every possible nomination.You also must score highly on both the ACT and the SAT. On average, cadets have a SAT score of 1340 and an ACT score of 29. When to Begin the Application Process Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point perform a cannon fire on May 21 prior the beginning of the annual Salute to Ships event to start Fleet Week New York 2025. (U.S. Army/Mark Getman) The best time to begin the application process is in the middle or end of your sophomore year in high school. Your physical fitness needs to be top-notch, too. That’s not to say any of this is impossible. But like any career in the military, it’s going to require planning ahead of time.The Army fully funds tuition in exchange for an active-duty service obligation after graduation.When you finish, you’ll have a bachelor of science degree. Graduates commission as second lieutenants in the Army. Foreign cadets commission into the armies of their home countries.Cadets are required to compete in one sport every season, which includes NCAA, intramural, and club teams. Directions and More New York Army National Guard UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters deliver M-119 howitzers to The Plain at the United States Military Academy at West Point on August 28, 2025. (U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Alan Brutus) But if you’re heading to West Point as an instructor, you probably have more practical questions about housing, schools, and what the heck there is to do in this northern New York town. Here is what you should know:Directions: From New York City, first navigate onto the FDR north. Then, take exit 24 for I-95 toward the George Washington Bridge. Take exit 73/74 toward Palisades Interstate Parkway N. next, then use the traffic circle to exit onto Route 9W N. First you’ll need to merge onto NY-218 N, then turn slightly right onto West Point Highway. Next, turn right onto New South Post Road and follow the signs.Transportation: Being so close to New York City means there are countless ways to arrive at West Point. Of course, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are easy options. You could also arrive at  Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Amtrak services Penn Station in NYC, making that an option, too.Gates and Hours: Because it’s an academy and not just an installation, the Visitors Control Center operates as a central meeting point for families and tourists. Scheduled tours and museum visits also start at the center. West Point has two gates (the Stony Lonesome Gate and Thayer Gate) that are 24/7 and a third (Washington Gate) that is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for Defense Department card holders only. There is no visitor access at the Washington Gate. Important Contact Numbers A new cadet receives his first of many haircuts at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. (U.S. Army/Michelle Eberhart) Army Housing Office: (520) 718-0293Barber shops: (845) 839-0019Commissary: (838) 677-4037DEERS Office: 520-706-8658Exchange: (845) 446-5404Finance Office: (520) 706-8661Legal Office: (845) 938-3205Library: (845) 938-2230Post Office: (845) 446-8749Visitors Control Center: (315) 774-9235 Mission and Units U.S. Army Garrison West Point’s mission is to provide services, programs, and infrastructure to sustain the community.Major units include units relating to the management of the academy. Additionally, you’ll find the Director of Admissions, the Criminal Investigation Command, the Staff Judge Advocate, and others. Things to Do Around West Point In terms of entertainment, Broadway is not that far from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. (U.S. Army/First Sgt. Gregory Williams) The West Point weather means snowbirds will delight in the winter. Because the military academy is located in a valley, the installation experiences all four seasons. Summers are very mild, and spring and fall are pretty chilly. It’s usually cloudy, and the wet season generally ends by August. That said, you’ll never run out of indoor or outdoor activities, thanks in part to West Point’s closeness to New York City. Hotels If you’re going to a graduation, book your hotel early. Here are some recommendations:Bear Mountain Inn and Overlook Lodge: (855) 548-1184Holiday Inn Express and Suites: (845) 446-4277The Thayer Hotel: (415) 985-6545 Food Scene Staff Sgt. Jancarlo Santiago Rivera zests a lemon on top of an appetizer during a nutritional hot food event at the 50th Joint Culinary Training Exercise at Fort Lee, Virginia, March 1, 2026. (U.S. Army/Calvin Reimold) Foodies, rejoice.The Hudson Valley gives you all the culinary delights you could ever want. Because the Hudson Valley was once a driver of American agriculture, farm to fresh is deeply entrenched just about everywhere.Spend some time picking your own fruits and vegetables. Lots of orchards and farms are open year round. There’s also a vibrant wine and microbrewery scene in the Hudson Valley.During the cooler months, be sure to sip on some local cider. You can find it dry, spiced, hopped, or even barrel-aged! Activities Of course, you’ll want to visit the West Point Museum. Breathe in fall and take a train trip through the Hudson Valley. Don’t forget to pick some apples. Hike the trails, have a picnic in the mountains, or just enjoy being in one of the most beautiful places in the country.If you crave a dose of city life, you can always hop the train to New York. West Point Housing The cost of living in the Hudson Valley is extremely high.Living in privatized housing might be the most economical choice. That said, several communities near the installation might suit your needs.Balfour Beatty, operating as West Point Family Homes, owns and manages on-post housing. The average wait time for housing is 30 days. During peak season, it can be up to 90 days or longer. Call the housing office as soon as you receive orders to find out about current wait times.There are no unaccompanied officer or senior enlisted quarters. Soldiers E1-E5 typically are required to live in the barracks. However, the barracks are under construction as part of a long-term modernization plan, so all soldiers have to reside off-post.Speak with the housing office for updated information about barracks construction. Schools Near West Point Military families stationed here can take advantage of the West Point Public School District. This school system offers education for mil-kids from pre-K all the way through 12th grade.On post, you’ll find a child development center, too. Lots of other private options for schools and child care are also available.Speak with the School Liaison Office for more information. Frequently Asked Questions U.S. soldiers react to a Molotov Cocktail during fire phobia training as part of a Kosovo Force (KFOR) Mission Rehearsal Exercise in Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 2, 2026. (U.S. Army/Sgt. Collin Mackall) What GPA do you need to get into West Point?You’ll need a competitive GPA and high standardized test schools for an appointment.Is West Point for the Army only?After graduating, cadets commission as second lieutenants in the Army.Is tuition free at West Point?Yes, but the Army requires active-duty service after graduation.Can you go to West Point without joining the Army?No. If you attend and graduate, you are obligated to serve at least five years in the Army. However, if you drop out in the first two years, you won’t owe any money or have a service commitment.  Don’t Miss the Best of We Are The Mighty • This was the West Point graduation on D-Day• West Point’s Class of 1915 is one the stars fell on• The latest on whether the Army-Navy football game is changing dates Featured Base Guides The complete guide to West Point By Jessica Evans History Here’s what’s actually inside the nuclear football By Daniel Tobias Flint Vietnam War 8 of the most terrifying Vietnam War booby traps By Blake Stilwell Mighty MilSpouse Who is Sara Jane Ginn and why you should read what she has to say By Sara Jane Ginn Entertainment Everything to know about the Sea Org, Scientology’s paramilitary Navy By Blake Stilwell The post The complete guide to West Point appeared first on We Are The Mighty.

When I was growing up, anime felt pretty niche. Sure, I had a few friends who were diehard fans of Dragon Ball Z (thanks Toonami!), and, eventually, Pokémon—the cards, the games, the show, everything—took my school (myself included) by storm. But I still would have been hard pressed to tell you what anime actually was. That’s not the case anymore. Anime—a broad term for a diverse but kindred collection of animation styles and storytelling techniques originating in Japan—has become a global phenomenon which exceeds $25 billion as an industry and even influences today’s popular Western animation. (If you’d like more details, check out Kennedy Unthank’s parent’s primer to anime.) So, anime is a big deal. But is it safe for families? Well, as you might imagine, that’s akin to asking if animation at large is safe. The answer can be an enthusiastic yes or an emphatic no. It all depends on which movie or TV show you’re watching. Anime has a particularly broad range of possibilities, which makes it important to do some research into a piece of entertainment before watching it. (And hey, that’s what Plugged In is here for!) There’s also the reality that Japanese culture can be very different from our own. For instance, the religions and spiritual conceptions that lay at the foundation of Japanese culture often influence anime—even if just subtly. And of course, that serves as a great segue to remind parents that the films on this list aren’t blanket recommendations: You’ll want to read our reviews in full before deciding whether to watch these titles. But given anime’s mass appeal, especially with younger generations, your child might be asking you to watch the latest animated export from Japan. With that in mind, here are the five best anime movies for families to enjoy together that we’ve reviewed at Plugged In. My Neighbor Totoro (G) One of the most well-known (and well-regarded) producers of anime in Japan is Studio Ghibli. The studio, founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, has produced a string of critically and commercially successful films. While most Studio Ghibli films are generally pretty navigable for tweens on up, a few films stand above the rest when rating for “family friendliness.” One such film is 1988’s My Neighbor Totoro. As Bob Hoose noted in his review, the movie is “definitely quirky, but it’s also colorful and sweet—a kids’ movie that’s free from dark, deceptive villains, terrible adults and problematic children. Instead, we get a simple and sweet story about kids who love their parents more than anything.” While the plot does revolve around the Japanese concept of “nature spirits,” the way things are presented wouldn’t be out of place in a Disney Golden Age flick. With a focus on familial love and strong, positive parental figures, My Neighbor Totoro is an imaginative and endearing film that the whole family can enjoy. Wolf Children (PG) Anime often puts a unique spin on their stories, even those that concern the mundanities of everyday life. Hence, Wolf Children—the story of a mother, Hana, learning to raise her children alone following the death of her husband. Of course, as the title implies, Hana’s children have a distinct peculiarity: They’re werewolves. Now, that unusual premise may trip up some families, but there’s a surprisingly positive and heartfelt story to be found here. Wolf Children shows many of the trials of parenting. But in the end, it uses those difficulties to highlight Hana’s sacrificial love for her children. “Wolf Children has touched many hearts since its release in 2012,” Kennedy Unthank said in his review of the film, “and I suspect it will find many more, too. It’s the kind of film that makes you want to go thank your parents for all the trials they put up with for your sake.” The movie contains a few notable issues that parents should know, including a realistic depiction of breastfeeding. And Hana’s marriage to a man who can transform into a wolf will give some pause. But its positive parenting messages make this pic fluffier than one might expect. The Colors Within (PG) InThe Colors Within, Totsuko is a young girl at a Catholic boarding school who has an odd ability: to see the color exuded by others. While she’s fascinated by the colors emanating from those around her, no one else can see what she sees, which has left her feeling like something of an outcast. Then, she meets Kimi and Rui, both exuding their own brilliant colors—and a friendship is formed. As Kennedy Unthank put it in his review, this coming-of-age drama “is, ultimately, a story about finding love and acceptance.” Through affirmation and friendship, the trio of main characters are able to unburden themselves from the respective secrets they have been hiding for some time—leading to more honest and healthier relationships with those around them. Additionally, the film features a generally positive depiction of Christianity—rare for a Japanese production. With few outright content concerns and a focus on finding acceptance, The Colors Within will be a fun watch for most families. Mary and the Witch’s Flower (PG) 2017’s Mary and the Witch’s Floweris a bit of a Ghibli-adjacent production. Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi worked at Studio Ghibli for a time, so that influence can be seen in this film’s lavish and whimsical animation style. The story, based on the British children’s book The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart, follows a clumsy but sweet girl named Mary who discovers a mysterious “witch’s flower” that gives her magical abilities and sweeps her away on an extraordinary adventure. For those who read that description and worry that this flick makes magic and witchcraft seem like fanciful fun for kids, you might be surprised. As Bob Hoose notes in his review: “Mixed in with all the magicking in this animated flick there’s a very firm message about rejecting all that spellcasting stuff.” And, if you don’t mind a spoiler, by movie’s end Mary—who has come to realize that there are a number of problems that come with the magic she has been given—is ready to leave all the sorcery behind and return to a normal, everyday life. That makes Mary and the Witch’s Flower, as Hoose says, “more than just another fly-by-night enchantment” for families. The First Slam Dunk (PG-13) Sports is one of the most popular genres in anime, and no surprise—athletic contests are rife with drama. In Japan, the visibility of the sports genre exploded following the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 1964. So, it should come as no surprise that Takehiko Inoue’s influential sports manga should make it to the screen. The First Slam Dunk follows the Shohoku High School basketball team as they attempt to unseat the reigning high school basketball champions from Sannoh Kogyo. You don’t have to be a basketball fan to appreciate the strong redemptive themes found in this underdog anime. When he reviewed the film, Bob Hoose praised it, saying, “This is not only a great sports story, but a story of family, a tale of tenacious effort and an examination of loss and grief … involving and emotional on many levels.” Language (whether dubbed or captioned) is the main issue here, though it’s less harsh than most of its PG-13 movie peers. For those who choose to navigate that issue, The First Slam Dunk is edge-of-your-seat entertainment that doesn’t foul out. The post Five Best Anime Movies for Families to Enjoy Together appeared first on Plugged In.

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Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha called out Democrats for being hypocrites over President Donald Trump’s military strikes in Iran, when members of the party supported air strikes in Libya under former President Barack Obama. The United States launched joint military strikes with Israel against Iran on Saturday as part of Operation Epic Fury. A bipartisan group of members in Congress has criticized the operation and condemned Trump for not pursuing congressional approval before the strikes started. The Libya strikes “went on for seven months without congressional approval, without evoking the War Powers Act,” Concha said Thursday on Fox Business’s Evening Edit. “So hypocrisy, here you are, right here. If you supported that without congressional approval, then obviously, with Libya, you have to support it with Iran. “But, obviously, we’re in a different world now.” Obama authorized airstrikes against Libya in 2011 in an effort to save peaceful pro-democracy protesters who were targeted by the Libyan government. The House rejected a war powers resolution, introduced by Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), that would have required Trump to end military operations in Iran unless Congress explicitly votes to authorize it. The measure failed in a 219-212 vote, with four House Democrats joining a majority of Republicans to reject the resolution.  Concha criticized the media for portraying a divide within the Republican Party over Iran. “Poll after poll shows that Republicans … especially those that support the president, are absolutely behind the operation,” Concha said. “If the war is ended quickly, then Democrats and many in the media will look very foolish and weak.” Concha predicted that if the military operations in Iran continue for “too long,” it could result in political wins for Democrats in future elections. IRAN’S SPRAY-AND-PRAY STRATEGY AIMS TO WIDEN THE BATTLEFIELD, SPREAD CONSEQUENCES “If it goes on for an extended period of time, well, that would be a much different story,” Concha said. “Where you have Democrats take back the House easily in November, possibly the Senate, and then in 2028, if it goes on for too long, you’ll have a Barack Obama, George W. Bush situation where the country will turn against this.” “But the way it looks right now, with all the victories that we’re having and the Iranians having no answers, this probably will be a very, very short conflict rather than long, this is not Iraq,” Concha added.

Hetfield and co. will now shred in Sin City from October 2026 up until March '27.