Established in 1802 at the Hudson River fortress at West Point, the U.S. Military Academy educates and trains future officers of the U.S. Army. Appointment to the academy is by nomination by the Vice President and members of U.S. Congress. Children of deceased or disabled veterans and of career military personnel of any of the armed forces are eligible for appointment. Graduates must serve in the U.S. Army for five years. They are commissioned as second lieutenants. Cadets receive one-half of a second lieutenant's basic pay, and the government provides tuition, room, and board. Since 1976, women have been admitted to the academy.