The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, offers four semesters of basic and intermediate Arab language courses. West Point also gives courses in colloquial Arabic, reading and discussion of contemporary Arabic media, and use of the language in simulated role play that an officer might encounter in an Arabic-speaking region. To lend depth to one's understanding of the region, the academy also offers two courses in Arab civilization and three in Arab literature as well as a program for cadets to travel to an Arab country and immerse themselves in its linguistic and cultural community. Besides these offerings, West Point also offers political science courses on the Middle East.
The U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, offers a major in Arabic through its Languages and Cultures Department. Along with a full four-year program of Arabic language, the program is structured to produce graduates who understand the linguistic, literary, cultural, and geopolitical issues of the region. Classes are conducted in Arabic as well as most homework assignments. Teaching tools for understanding the region are very contemporary, including websites, online video, and chat groups. Class sizes are kept small so that midshipmen have ample opportunity for participation.
Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, can take up to six semesters of Arabic language. Enhancement courses for Arab civilization, culture, and literature are also available. Additionally, the USAFA has a summer foreign language immersion program for select first class (senior) cadets to undergo intensive language study at foreign universities. The students live with families, helping to foster immersion in the language and culture of the Arab people.
For those who plan on attending either the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy or the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Arab language courses are not available in their present curricula. However, the Defense Language Institute offers Arab language courses to members of the armed forces. So, if your work in the Coast Guard requires knowledge of Arabic, the DLI should be able to provide ample training.