What is the Howitzer? The Howitzer is the annual yearbook produced by the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy. It has been published regularly since 1896 and has become one of the largest single-bound yearbooks in the country. The Howitzer has won numerous graphic awards over the years for its outstanding photography and cover design. The goal of the Howitzer is to accurately record an academic year at the Academy. The Howitzer includes pictures of the graduation day of that year's graduating class. Traditionally, the Howitzer is published six months after Graduation.

Are Cadets Afforded the Opportunity to Order a Howitzer? In January of each year, each member of the Corps of Cadets is afforded the opportunity to sign-up to receive a copy of the Howitzer. Sign-up is mandatory for all senior cadets and optional for non-senior cadets. Not all non-senior cadets sign-up to receive a Howitzer. If you would like to know if a cadet ordered a Howitzer prior to placing your order, please contact the publications office at (845) 938-2780/7989.  

Are All Cadets included in the Howitzer? The staff of the Howitzer makes every effort to include each and every member of the Corps of Cadets. The Howitzer does not exclude the underclass. Company group photographs are scheduled during the fall semester. They are considered an official formation. However, there are times when an individual cadet will have some other approved function which may take precedent. We also include coverage of Corps Squad athletics and extracurricular club participants, although we do rely on these groups to get us photographs and articles. Each senior cadet who graduates prior to June 30th of each year will have their portrait photograph in the Graduates section.

How to I Obtain Photographs which Appear in the Howitzer? While the Howitzer does have a small photography staff, the majority of the pictures which appear in the Howitzer were taken by people not directly connected with the yearbook. The Howitzer gladly accepts prints from cadets and other West Point agencies, however, we do not have the negatives. The graduate portrait photographs and candids which appear in the graduates section are usually provided by a contractor. For specific information regarding specific photographs, it is suggested that you contact the Cadet Publications Office in the Directorate of Cadet Activities at (845)938-7989/2780.  

What if my Address Changes after Placing an Order for a not-yet-released edition of the Howitzer? Should your address change after placing an order, please notify us promptly so that we can initiate the change. Please note that our office is not affiliated with the Association of Graduates; changes of address sent to them will not be forwarded to our office. The Directorate of Cadet Activities' Publications Office makes every attempt to contact individuals should their books be returned. Send any changes of address to: Directorate of Cadet Activities ATTN: Publications (Howitzer) Eisenhower Hall, Building 655 West Point, New York 10996-1593  

What is an inscription? Books which are have not been printed can be personally inscribed. An inscription is placed on the inside front endsheet in the lower right-hand side of the page. There is no additional charge for inscriptions. Inscriptions are limited to 26 characters (including spaces). While there is no charge for having a 26-character inscription placed in your book, all personalized (inscribed) orders are binding. For Howitzers which have already been published, books cannot be inscribed.  

What is a Friends & Supporters Message? Not to be confused with inscriptions, Friends & Supporters messages were started in the late 1970's to allow parents, relatives and friends to verbalize their support for members of the Corps of Cadets. A one-line thirty-six (36) character message costs $20.00 (for 2004 Howitzer); you may extend your message to a second line limited to 20 characters for an additional $5.00. Messages may be extended beyond 56 characters with prior permission from the Directorate of Cadet Activities. Friends & Supporters messages must be received by the beginning of August for the class which graduated in May/June of that year.  

What is a Defining Excellence advertisement? Parents of cadets scheduled to graduate during the present school year are able to recognize their cadets' achievements through a Defining Excellence advertisement. Advertising space is limited to quarter and eighth page size. For more information on Defining Excellence advertisments, please contact our office at (845) 938-2780/7989.  

When do graduating cadets get their portrait photographs taken for the Howitzer? The photograph of each cadet who graduates prior to July 1 of each year is taken during the second semester of their junior (or Cow) year. There is no cost to the cadet to get this photograph taken. The cadet is informed through his chain-of-command to get this process accomplished. A cadet will be provided with proofs of his/her sitting and asked to make a selection. We encourage cadets to make a selection so that they can be happy with the photograph which appears in the Howitzer; however, if no selection is made the Howitzer will put in the most professional photograph.  Are earlier editions of the Howitzer available for sale? Yes, there are earlier editions of the Howitzer for sale. Please go to "Howitzer" on the Cadet Publications Homepage for an availability and price listing.

(Holidays, Cadet Exam Dates, Eisenhower Hall Theatre Events, Special Event Information), and an inspirational quote and/or special information for each of the 12 months featured in the calendar.

What months does the West Point Calendar include? The West Point Calendar runs from January until December.

How can I order a West Point Calendar? You can order the West Point Calendar by sending your check or money order made payable to Cadet Activities Fund to: Directorate of Cadet Activities Attn: Publications Eisenhower Hall, Bldg. 655 West Point, NY 10996 Please do not send your checks until September.

Where else can I find information about the West Point Calendar? For more information, please click on "West Point Calendar" on the Cadet Publications Homepage.

Do all cadets submit something for the Circle in the Spiral? No-submission of original work is voluntary. Of the works received, the editorial board of the Circle in the Spiral selects which will be a part of the Literary Journal.

How can I order a Circle in the Spiral? The Circle in the Spiral can be purchased separately or as part of the special Howitzer package. Please go to "Circle in the Spiral" on the Cadet Publications Homepage for more information.