WEST POINT PARADE

[rmorecook]

The West Point Band was awesome. I sell a dvd of this parade on Ebay [focus there is sharp - here it was degraded by YouTube. I posted this long ago] Bob M

[56conn6h]

Nice to see this. I havenn't marched in 27 years. June of 1984 was when I finished my tour with the West Point Band. I never considered myself overtly patriotic, but I definitely felt a sence of pride when I was in that uniform, especially in parade. Thanks for the memories!

[BECKCITY]

The band is always the best looking unit on the field. Way to go West Point Band. You look and sound great. esp the trumpet sections . West Point is on of the army's "special bands" you have to be a "charley 1 player" to be concidered for this band. These are elite musicians. Some of the best in the Army. I miss those days.

[BECKCITY]

The band is always the best looking unit on the field. Way to go West Point Band. You look and sound great. esp the trumpet section.

[hfelton]

It's stupid for the Congress to keep cutting budgets for military bands, which perform concerts throughout the country and are a great P.R. asset. In answer to a question below, the USMA Band numbered over 120 professional musicians in the 50s led by Major, then Colonel Francis Resta, composer of the WP Graduation March. He was a friend of my father.

[TheRonaldRecio]

I have a question. Shouldnt the beat of the bass drum and their left foot be in sync? That's how we march over here in the Philippines and were patterned after the US Military. Ive noticed that their right foot and the beat of the bass drum are the one that goes in sync :)

[rmorecook]

@TheRonaldRecio You are right. Here is what happened. The camera is farther away from the band [and bass drum] -- the marching soldiers are closer to it. They ARE in step with it, but we dont see it. This is because sound travels more slowly than light. You see things that are far away before you hear them. If you see a soldier shoot a gun two blocks away you will see the muzzle flash before you hear the Bang. Good question.

[lclaughton]

If you value the Military Bands, better let your representatives and senators know as the House voted to cut Military Band funding in the DOD budget by 38%...Let the senate know your thoughts. Look at what this country spends on TV ads promoting the US Military and yet forsake the Military Bands contribution to the general public in a parade in ANYTOWN USA Of course West Point will not be deprived..

[angrygrenade80]

I hope to go here some day

[hfelton]

It's too bad the DOD has cut back the complement of musicians for all military bands, icluding USMA and the President's Own, et al. When I first attended WP Reviews back in the late 50's, the West Point Band had 120 pieces, precisely double its size now.

[rmorecook]

@hfelton What an interesting post. I had no idea the WP band was once so large. Was it all professonal military musicians then? {All are professionals now starting rank is SSG] Or were draftees included. As an army brat I recall how bad our post band was in th 1950's. Our HS band was remarkably better. Army bands are quite good now -- and well trained. Bob M

[KingConservative]

I am applying to westpoint this year. Hope I get selected.

[Multinessable]

Is going to west point worth it even after having to serve for 5 years? 

[csifreak453]

I hope to go to West Point one day! Black and Gold forever!

[WPUSMA1]

@csifreak453 WEST POINT INFORMATION GROUP ON FACEBOOK!

[jorgemir27]

why does the US not have a annual military parade like other countries, US has liberated time after time nations and even continents, I think it would be the least the US gov could to to honor the brave individuals that have fought and are still fighting for freedom around the world

[rmorecook]

@jorgemir27 Hi Friend The reason we dont have it [besides expense] is that the US is a civilian dominated country. We've traditionally distrusted militaries - considering how often they have taken over other countries overseas. Avoiding big parades is a way to de-emphasize the military. Yet behind the scenes they do get a big chunk of the budget. We are a military superpower. Best wishes, Bob M

[mystikast]

@rmorecook Hi Friend The reason we dont have it [besides expense] is that the US is a civilian dominated country. We've traditionally distrusted militaries - considering how often they have taken over other countries overseas. Avoiding big parades is a way to de-emphasize the military. Yet behind the scenes they do get a big chunk of the budget. We are a military superpower. Best wishes, Bob M

100% trrue , good comment

[XxxSakura101]

@jorgemir27 the argument is that it's a waste of manpower and resources. It's also been argued that it's a trait of dictatorships that need to impress it's military strength on the people and that such a parade would lower public moral.

[yardtools]

@jorgemir27 Large scale military parades are more for the spectator than for the soldier. They portray an image of a strong military but do little to support actual soldiers. One care package to a soldier overseas accomplishes more than ten parades. It would be an interesting thing though, to see our own version of Moscow's May Day Parade. But here would we stage it? D.C. is congested enough without having streets closed off for a parade of armored vehicles. : )

[Vutxzzn2]

@jorgemir27 It has a lot to do with the fact that the military is not centeral to our national identity as it is with Russia and China.

Also I believe there is a more of an emphisis on memorials in our nation then parades when it comes to honoring our fallen and the Hero's of Combats hell.

[GeorgeVreelandHill]

I love West Point.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

George Vreeland Hill

[rmorecook]

@GeorgeVreelandHill glad you liked the video. A dvd of the parade is available for purchase. Let me know if you are interested. Bob M

[radiootoo]

All hail the Long Gray Line! honor our United States Army officers!

[SamHagagaga]

I'm in the process of applying to West Point.

[rmorecook]

@SamHagagaga hope you get in! Bob M

[Vutxzzn2]

@SamHagagaga Best of luck I hope you have a fantastic Carreer

[WPUSMA1]

@SamHagagaga WEST POINT INFORMATION GROUP ON FACEBOOK!

[MrBfelty2]

@SamHagagaga Hi , if you can, can you tell me the things that you have to do to get into West Point?

[rmorecook]

@MrBfelty2 Contact your congressman. Most folks get in with a congressional appointment. If in high school see your counselor. Also visit the West Point web pages. It is complicated, competitive, but you can do it. Bob M

[MustangWW2]

Valley Forge was winter 1777-78

[IAmFr33Xp]

I'm surprised they all articulate the commands so differently at 22:20!

Thanks again for posting this, Bob. Awesome to watch considering I'll be there next year!

[rmorecook]

@IAmFr33Xp there are some female voices in there - that's why the sounds are so different. Is it time now to purchase a high quality version of the parade on ebay? :-) :-) Bob

[rmorecook]

@IAmFr33Xp May your four years go well for you at West Point! Bob M

[TheAmericankhmer]

well i love the US military parade. it doesn't show up the weapon and gun. it look so peacefull and beautifull.

That's why i want to immigrate to USA and take westpoint academy.

Long Live US military and promote Cambodia become a real Democracy in future

[SamHagagaga]

@TheAmericankhmer I never though of a military parade as looking "peaceful," but you're actually right.

[kholdfire11]

7:56-8:03

why is a cadet running there?

really curious..

[rmorecook]

@kholdfire11 He is called the "Guide" . He is running ahead to a spot marked on the ground. The rest of the unit continues to march forward and halts when they reach him. this causes all the units to be perfectly aligned

[rmorecook]

You can purchase a digital quality version of this video on Ebay by searching on the terms West Point Parade

[cumbas]

Nice & interesting video like usually, my friend from America :-)

I see here that the Ceremony's Uniform of your cadets resemble more the Uniform of our Cadets of the French Army & the famous Acamedy of Saint-Cyr

Again one proof of the old link, alliance and friendship between France and the USA ^^

We (Us and You) never forget that we are and we keep the oldest alliance of the democracies in the World !!

:-)

[rmorecook]

@cumbas Hello Friend Cumbas - you are so right. And this uniform was the one worn by the US Army during the War of 1812 between the US and England. Bob M

[rmorecook]

@XxD3ADxTR33xX Nope! Band members at West Point are professional army musicians. If you want a four year military scholarship WITH band then you need to look at the Merchant Marine Academy. Other possibilities are Virginia Tech, Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel and Texas A&M University for a corps of cadets experience along with ROTC. Bob M

[rmorecook]

@rmorecook so people in the bands of west point still go through all the same thing everyone else does right? and can u get scholarships to the west point music programs? basicaly how can i become a member of the west point band, and graduate in 4 years, and become a second luitenent in the us army?

[Nogger86Germany]

What military rank to you have when you graduate?

How long does it take you to get there?

I am an Ensign/junior officer in the german army reserve. I really like to know. Thanks!

[rmorecook]

@Nogger86Germany Entry rank is second lieutenant. It takes four years to graduate. It provides both a college and a military education.

[waterloo3]

Very impressive review. The band with the Hellcats makes for an impressive sight and sound. Great to see these cadet companies advance and march past in review order. You can really get an idea what a brigade of Infantry looked like in the 18th and 19th century by looking at this ceremony. The only problem is female drill sarjeants barking out orders in their shrill little voices. Somehow just does not sound right! I guess I am a traditionalist, but some things should be sacred!

[Colt357B]

What song is playing at 13:04???

[ASALives1]

@Colt357B Auld Lang Syne is at 13:04. Traditional "Sound Off" to the Graduating Class/

[marklinfans]

Great marching...I'm currently trying to get into WestPoint. My friends are making fun of me for doing it, but I think it is a great honor.

[MaryBethOnStage]

thanks! this is great for all the Miltiary Musician's in training at the Armed Forces School of Music in Va Beach!

Mary Beth 113th Army Band Pianist

[rmorecook]

@MaryBethOnStage I am really glad you liked the video. It was great fun to shoot and post as well. Bob M

[VampLestat320]

I remembering being there...I was in that parade!

[rmorecook]

very neat! what company, battalion and regiment? It was really great shooting the video too! Bob M

[VampLestat320]

F1 3rd column from the band, second company (in the back closer to Washington Hall)

[rmorecook]

I have two other parades posted from the same week. Namely, the awards day parade and also the double regiment review for the long gray line. Bob M

[kedt2012]

VMI v. Army on November 14th

Rah Virginia Mil!

Beat Army!

[rmorecook]

You gotta be kidding. The Keydets are playing USMA? I gotta listen to that game.

[westpointer2014]

WEST POINT IS AWESOME

[k0smon]

Are the members of the band actual cadets at West Point?

[rmorecook]

Members of the West Point Band are professional army musicians. If accepted, they are offered a 'stabilized tour' meaning they can spend an entire career at West Point and not be transferred. Bob M

[azbaldy5]

i read on the west point web site the band members for are recruited form the top musical schools in the country

[rmorecook]

If they join the West Point Band they are guaranteed a stabilized tour. this means they are guaranteed to only serve in this band. If they re-enlist they can do up to 30 years and never change bands. Many members have masters degrees and some have doctoral degrees in music

[azbaldy5]

thanks for the information,.i was watching the "today' show from the winter olympics in vancousver and a guy in the backround had a rolled up sign that said GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY !

[LaramieTrail]

Great pageantry. Beautiful campus.

[TheAlpha101]

please tell me someone where is it at westpoint????I'm realy sorry but I never senn this castles

[rmorecook]

West Point is north of New York City by about 50 miles.  It is on the Hudson River

[sweetheart2109]

My brother graduated for west point in 2005. I went to the graduation and it was so much fun.

[rmorecook]

This is his graduation parade. What company was he in?

[sweetheart2109]

Charlie Company I

[rmorecook]

hi friend

I now am selling a high quality video of the graduation parade at west point 2005 on ebay [if you are interested] bo bMorecook

[Makolki]

Fritz von Steuben have been a prussian Officer who was forced to leave the prussian army caused of his failure. So he emigrates to America where he teaches the "Continentials" in prussian disciplin. So the US-Army and the Traditions are Prussian! ;o))

[rmorecook]

Thank you for the history lesson. Yes, the original American army was quite 'messed up' on was not in good order on the battle field because they were badly drilled. Von Steuben came up with simple drills to be learned quickly by farm and city boys and fixed the problem.

[Makolki]

von Steuben war ein preussischer Offizier, der den Dienst wegen Versagens verlassen mußte. Also ging er nach Amerika und brachte den Continentals preussischen Drill bei. Man kann also sagen, die US-Army und ihre Traditionen sind preussisch!

[CaptainAmerica5013]

america won the british left didnt they?

[poppunkmetal]

3 yrs im tryin to go tryin my hardest

[roosterflu77]

Good luck man.

[poppunkmetal]

thanks man

[XxCNRx]

is a west point free

[rmorecook]

yes. All the US service academies are free - and therefore quite competitive to enter

[triggerhappygw]

yes it is free, government paid, except there are required years of military service after graduation, depending on any additional education (master's degree, doctorate, etc) the military assigns years. for every additional year in school is 2 yrs in reserve. i initially its like 3 or 4 yrs of active duty and 3 yrs of reserve or something after gradutation....im not sure, look it up.

[Gutsy9]

Years ago I used to love to go up to West Point in my post-grad days to take in the Retreat Parade on Thursdays. Always a thrill.

[justindustin88]

Which type of uniform do they wear?

[rmorecook]

The US Army wore this uniform during the War of 1812 with England

[justindustin88]

Wow, I did not know there was a war in 1812 between England and Amerika

[rmorecook]

The British in 1812 did what the Taliban could not do in 2001. They burned the White House! The English history books say they wond the war. The American history books say we won. Perhaps you could take a look into it and decide it for us. Best wishes Bob M

[Someloke8895]

The White house needed redecorating anyway... :-p

The war was a draw in my view, mainly because Britain did get so far, but then was pushed back to Canada.

[ra1n8ow]

Yea and one in 1776 where the US became separate from England.

[justindustin88]

I know, I saw Mel gibsons "The Patriot" ^.^

[deathdealer1995]

hopin to go there learning german hopefully learning arabic and farsi considering korean and soon to be eagle scout i took my atc's when i was 13 got a 19 -21 and hopin to get at least a 30 next time if any current or past west pointers giving any pointers pls pm

[gilthoniel0]

I saw them at the 4th of july ceremony last year. Most amazing independence day I've ever had.

[vanwahlgren]

USMA band is tops. Great Parade. Nice vid thanks!!

[rmorecook]

Thanks. Are you a cadet there?

Bob M

[micahr13]

Coming from a video editor/producer, Excellent job. Most definitely a nice piece of work.

[rmorecook]

Thank you very much.  It means a lot that you said that. I was working with a home quality Sony camcorder - used a tripod - and panned slow. I wish I had gotten some more closeups. There was no second camera. Best wishes, Bob M

[rmorecook]

thank you I am glad you liked it. Bob M

[ThatKidIsDUMB]

im scared out of my mind i got summer camp there this year. Its the JROTC leadership camp

[ltcrobertsonboc]

its not just for JROTC ppl. are you talking about SLS?

[daibeer]

Hi

Thank you for this, I've never seen a Pass Out Parade at West Point before. Nice to hear the old BM's marches being played.

Old Drum Major

The Royal Welch Fusiliers

23rd of Foot

[rmorecook]

Glad you liked it. It was great fun being there and shooting it! Bob M

[goYankees19]

GO ARMY! My cousin was part of this class. Can't remember what company he was in, though...

[cumbas]

Nice video on a great military academy

& so great musics like "Sambre & Meuse " the famous French military music ^^ ;-)

For the history of this music look at my video here ;-)

/watch?v=kxuvTB-HCYQ

PS :

Why this French Military music played in this parade ?

there was French cadets from "St-Cyr", the officer military Academy of French Army ?

Long Live to our 2 Republics, the oldest Democratic Republics allied & friend of the world !!! :-)

[nnnascarmannn]

How did u get it to be in one part? isint it over the 10minute limit? how are u alowed to have it this long and good vid!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bemmott]

My one comment is this - I think it's pretty damned sad that citizens of this country need to be told or reminded what their responsibilities are vis-a-vis' the passing of the National Colors! Ilearned that from my dad when I was barely 8 years old, for crissakes.

[Scytalte]

That's quite a cathedral in the background there. Is it open to the public?

[rmorecook]

@Scytalte yes the cathedral is open to the public. but because it is not catholic it is called a chapel

[Scytalte]

@rmorecook Is that true for all churches in the US?

I'm not sure what actually qualifies a church as a cathedral but over here in the UK, all large churches like that seem to be called cathedrals whether they are Protestant or Catholic.

[lmcolonel]

nothing compares with Romanian Forces

[VietnamNOW]

Very good. I have been to the Hudson River area north of NYC, but never took the time to visit West Point. Wish I did. Maybe some day. I think of General MacArthur when I think of West Point. God Bless America.

[narrator1982]

West Point is the proudest town in our country, with a cultural, military, and artistic legacy stretching back to the Native s and the Dutch. Please visit the Hudson Highlands some day you will be walking with history.

[vishwel]

love it!,but it's about more than half an hour?..

[2ndid38th]

My brother went to the point,Class Of 89.Company E-3 Eageles"Where Eagles Dare" Foght in Dessert Storm/shield. 1st Infantry Div "Big Red One. 4/5 Arty. I am still very proud of him.

Black And Gold Forever.

[monimstarfox]

tell your brother that i thank him he must be a very honorable man. do you plan to follow in his footsteps.

[illBUrFriend]

Nice, LOVE IT!!!