Surviving West Point

Watch Surviving West Point

  • 2002
  • 1 Season
  • 7.4  (23)

Surviving West Point is a National Geographic documentary series that aired in 2002. The show follows the journey of a group of young men and women as they undergo the rigorous training at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Over the course of 12 episodes, the documentary takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, as the cadets navigate through the demanding and grueling daily routine of life at West Point.

Narrated by former West Point cadet Stephan Cox, Surviving West Point delves deep into the heart of what it means to be a cadet. From the very first day, viewers are thrust into the intensity of the training process, as cadets deal with the physical and mental demands of the academy. The show captures the grit, determination, and resilience required to succeed in one of the most challenging academic and physical environments in the world.

Throughout the series, the documentary explores the unique challenges that West Point cadets must face in order to become the leaders of tomorrow. The show covers various aspects of cadet life, from academic classes and physical training, to military drills and real-world field exercises. Each episode provides insight into the daily struggles and triumphs of the cadets, revealing the true grit it takes to survive and thrive at West Point.

Beyond the physical and mental challenges, Surviving West Point also explores the emotional side of cadet life. Viewers get to see the cadets in their off-time, exploring their personalities, interests, and friendships. The show captures the bonds that form between the cadets, as they overcome obstacles together and support each other through the toughest parts of the training process. Through it all, the documentary delivers a powerful message about the importance of teamwork, camaraderie, and leadership.

One of the most compelling elements of Surviving West Point is the way it humanizes the cadets. Rather than just being seen as tough, stoic soldiers, the documentary shows the young men and women as individuals with distinct personalities and interests. Viewers get to see the cadets struggle with homesickness, self-doubt, and other real-world problems as they navigate their way through West Point. The show highlights the fact that even the strongest and most resilient soldiers have moments of weakness, and that the support and encouragement of their fellow cadets is essential for their success.

Throughout the series, Stephan Cox provides an insider's perspective into the training process at West Point. As a former cadet himself, he is able to offer unique insight into the emotional and physical toll that the training process can take on a person. His narration is a compelling and emotional addition to the show, helping viewers to understand the complex and intertwined aspects of life at West Point.

Overall, Surviving West Point is a captivating and emotional look into the life of a West Point cadet. Through compelling storytelling, stunning visuals, and real-world experiences, the documentary captures the heart and soul of the training process. Whether you're a fan of military documentaries or simply interested in the human experience, Surviving West Point is a must-watch show that is sure to leave a lasting impact.

Surviving West Point is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (14 episodes). The series first aired on February 3, 2002.

Surviving West Point
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Seasons
Coming of Age
14. Coming of Age
May 12, 2002
It's the final countdown--graduation is days away and the seniors are itching to leave while the plebes are preparing for another summer of soldiering.
Put to the Test
13. Put to the Test
May 5, 2002
In a changing world of war, cadets will have to rely on subtle skills to survive and sometimes, the best that West Point can teach them is to expect the unexpected.
Leaders of Character
12. Leaders of Character
April 28, 2002
While seniors prepare to graduate into a world in conflict as leaders in the U.S. Army, plebes are learning what it means to break the rules at West Point.
Women Warriors
11. Women Warriors
April 21, 2002
The women at West Point pride themselves on being the equal of any male cadet--but are they? Members of the first class of female graduates remember when doors were slammed in their faces. Now the doors are opening slowly, as women cadets prove that they deserve their own place in the military.
Hearts and Minds
10. Hearts and Minds
April 14, 2002
Conformity is the first rule at West Point, but leaders cannot be robots--beneath each uniform is a human being struggling to find a balance between the demands of duty and the call of personal freedom.
Studying War
9. Studying War
April 7, 2002
As classrooms transform into war rooms during Military Intercession, the cadets role play as leaders, studying the campaigns of the past and military strategy.
A World Apart
8. A World Apart
March 24, 2002
Life at West Point is very different from the ordinary world. For cadets, Christmas vacation brings pleasure and pain as they visit the lives they left behind--and their family and friends discover just how much West Point has changed them.
Playing to Win
7. Playing to Win
March 17, 2002
Whether it's jumping from a plane with your teammates in the sky or playing in the Army-Navy game watched by millions, sports are mandatory for every cadet. At West Point, playing on the athletic field is considered good training for waging war on the battlefield.
An Uncertain Future
6. An Uncertain Future
March 10, 2002
The days and weeks after September 11 are uncharted territory for the cadets at West Point--many of the graduating class may find themselves in combat, while the new cadets struggle to make sense of serving their country.
The Shock of War
5. The Shock of War
March 3, 2002
The cadets' world is turned upside down on September 11, 2001, as they face a world at war and an uncertain future.
Make or Break
4. Make or Break
February 24, 2002
During the final week of Cadet Basic Training, the new cadets face the fiercest test yet. If they can't learn to struggle and survive together, they won't make it through the obstacles that await them.
Learning to Lead, Learning to Follow
3. Learning to Lead, Learning to Follow
February 17, 2002
Cadet Basic Training is all about orders--both following them and giving them.
Pushed to the Limit
2. Pushed to the Limit
February 10, 2002
During six weeks of Cadet Basic Training, the new cadets are pushed to the edge and beyond.
A Shock to the System
1. A Shock to the System
February 3, 2002
In the course of one long, relentless day--Reception Day--the incoming cadets are initiated into the demanding ways of West Point.
Description
Where to Watch Surviving West Point
Surviving West Point is available for streaming on the National Geographic website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Surviving West Point on demand at Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    February 3, 2002
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (23)