WE S T PO I N T A S SOC I AT I ON O F G R ADUAT E S Parent Handbook 2023–2024
2 INTRODUCTION Welcome to West Point! Once your son or daughter reports to West Point on Reception Day, you’ll begin a new chapter in your life unlike anything you haveexperienced.Wehavedesignedthisbooklet tohelpparentsunderstand and meet the challenges that await you during your cadet’s experience at the United States Military Academy. Prior knowledge about the journey is a powerful tool in preparing you for the 47-month cadet experience. TABLE OF CONTENTS Academy Overview 4 USMA Academic Achievements 5 Parent Communication 6 Parents Clubs 7 West Point Association of 12 Graduates Welcome Visiting West Point 13 Developing Leaders of Character 19 USMA Organizational Chart 37 Plebe Academic Year 38 Yearling Academic Year 40 Cow Academic Year 42 Firstie Academic Year 44 Special Event Weekends 45 The Corps 50 Support Services 53 Glossary 54 2023 Army West Point Football 58 The Long Gray Line 62 Supporting West Point & 63 the Long Gray Line The Long Gray Line 66 of Us Stretches West Point is Everywhere 68 Herbert Alumni Center 69 The Gift Shop 70 Helpful Phone Numbers 72 West Point Alma Mater 76 The Army Song 77 On, Brave Old Army Team! 78 USMA Map 79 Important Dates 80 Proudly Funded By
3 Dear Parents of the USMA Class of 2027, Welcome to the West Point Team and thank you for supporting your son or daughter’s decision to attend the United States Military Academy. Your sons and daughters chose the United States Military Academy to seek more than a degree or college experience. We believe they chose West Point because they desire a challenge, to be part of something larger than themselves, and to make a difference for others. More importantly, they are committing themselves to selfless service to our military and our Nation as an officer in the United States Army. We are not a college or a university: we are THE United States Military Academy; a living, breathing leadership laboratory that will prepare them for success as leaders of character for the Army and our Nation. For the next 47 months, your sons and daughters will be immersed in a demanding, world-class leader development experience that will most importantly challenge their character growth, and test their academic, physical, and military abilities. They will be guided, taught, and inspired by a team of staff, faculty, coaches, and alumni, many of whom are parents of Cadets and graduates themselves and who understand the exciting journey you are about to embark upon with your Cadet. We are all committed to their development and success, as we prepare them to Live Honorably, Lead Honorably, and Demonstrate Excellence as leaders of character, committed to Army Values and the ideals of Duty, Honor, Country. It takes a village to develop and inspire leaders, and you are an important part of our village. You will have many opportunities to support your children while they attend West Point. As a first step, please visit our parent website at WestPoint.edu/Parents and follow our social media platforms to review the resources available to you. We look forward to working with your sons and daughters as they begin their journey toward becoming leaders of character. Thank you for your support. Go Army! LTG StevenW. Gilland ’90 61st Superintendent United States Military Academy DISCLAIMER: This publication was privately produced and is not the product of an official of the United States Army acting in an official capacity. The contents of this publication, including words, images, and opinions, are unofficial and not to be considered as the official views of the United States Military Academy, United States Army, or Department of Defense. Neither this publication nor its content are endorsed by the United States Military Academy, United States Army, or Department of Defense. WELCOME!
4 The mission of the United States Military Academy is “to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army.” The Academy envisions that graduates will be commissioned leaders of character who, in preparation for the intellectual and ethical responsibilities of o cership, are broadly educated, professionally skilled, morally-ethically grounded, physically t, and committed to continued growth and development both as Army o cers and as American citizens. As such, graduates must understand the Profession of Arms and the application of a broad liberal education in the arts and sciences to that profession; the fundamentals of the American Constitution and the responsibilities of commissioned o cers to its defense; and the values and ethical standards of the United States Army: the Professional Military Ethic. Graduates must also demonstrate personal devotion to the duties of a commissioned o cer: intellectual curiosity, imagination, and creativity; ability to act rationally and decisively under pressure; mastery of the basic military and physical skills required for entry into commissioned service; inspiration andmotivation to lead American soldiers in war and peace—leadership characterized by a winning spirit; the ability andmotivation to achieve and sustain unit climates that are conducive tomilitary effectiveness and professional excellence; and personal commitment to the sel ess standards of o cership within the United States Army. Academy systems and programs have been structured to contribute to instilling these characteristics in each graduate. ACADEMY OVERVIEW
5 USMA ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS Niche #5 Top Public Universities in America #9 Best Liberal Arts College in America U.S. News &World Report #2 National Public Liberal Arts Colleges #4 Best Undergrad Engineering Program #11 National Liberal Arts College Scholarship Information • Academic year 2021–2022 cadets won a total of 50 scholarships • Ranks in the Top five nationally for Rhodes Scholars and in the Top 10 nationally for Marshall Scholars • One of 30 top producing Fulbright scholar institutions for 2022 nationwide as of May 2023
6 PARENT COMMUNICATION Congratulations! Welcome to the West Point Family! Having a cadet is both a proud and unique experience. West Point cadets appreciate support from parents and family members. To help you support your cadet, information is made available via the West Point website, West Point social media platforms, and West Point Parents Club. Please keep in mind this is a college/military experience, and your cadet is responsible for navigating much of it on his or her own. We encourage open communication between parents and cadets. It is the role of the Parent Communications Liaison to help answer questions or redirect parents if/when the need arises. Please know cadets have access to a variety of support all around the academy. They are encouraged to reach out for help and use the many resources available. West Point Parents Clubs also facilitate communication between the Academy and cadet parents promoting West Point, assisting the Academy with its recruitment efforts, and providing camaraderie to parents of cadets. The Public Affairs Office and the Parent Communications Liaison assist parents and the Parents Clubs around the country. Please refer to the resources posted by the West Point Public Affairs Office and/or the Parent Communications Liaison for up to date information. As shared above, there are resources available on the West Point website, to include the Parent Handbook. This handbook is an excellent source of information. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with this resource. We have worked to compile information from across the Academy to help you have a better understanding of West Point and cadet life. We encourage you to join your local Parents Club. To find a club nearby, please contact the West Point Parents Communications Liaison at 845.938.8826 or via email at deb.dalton@westpoint.edu. Again, congratulations! Go Army! Beat Navy! Debra Dalton USMA Parent Communications Liaison DISCLAIMER: This publication was privately produced and is not the product of an official of the United States Army acting in an official capacity. The contents of this publication, including words, images, and opinions, are unofficial and not to be considered as the official views of the United States Military Academy, United States Army, or Department of Defense. Neither this publication nor its content are endorsed by the United States Military Academy, United States Army, or Department of Defense.
7 WE UNDERSTAND… AND WE CAN HELP! Membership in a West Point Parents Club offers valuable opportunities for mutual support and shared experience, fellowship, and access to useful information about the Academy and cadet life. Although each club is an independent organization, clubs are officially recognized and supported by the Academy. The Parents Club network offers a dynamic line of communication between the Academy and cadet parents. The USMA Parent Communications Liaison, Debra Dalton, relays current information to club presidents, who then communicate with their members through email and newsletters. Typical club activities include meetings, informal get-togethers, tailgates, holiday balls, new cadet picnics, luncheons or dinners, and other events at which cadet families gather. Parents Clubs are not a substitute for communication between you and your cadet’s company tactical officer (TAC). Specific concerns or information regarding your cadet should be addressed to the TAC. Many Parents Clubs communicate and interact with West Point Societies and members of the West Point Admissions Field Force in their local areas. Through this networking, these groups are able to gain a broad perspective on the Academy and to assist in telling the West Point story across the country. Some clubs are becoming more involved by working with the Admissions Office in spreading the word about West Point to their local communities and high schools. Many clubs work with local West Point Societies by coordinating events at away athletic competitions/special events and Founders Day activities. There are West Point Parents Clubs in most states. To join a Parents Club near you, simply locate the club in your region and contact the president. Please see the following pages of this handbook for a listing of Parents Clubs. If there isn’t a club in your area and you would like more information about forming one, please call the USMA Parent Communications Liaison at 845.938.8826. PARENTS CLUBS
8 Alabama West Point Parents Club of Alabama President: Aimee Torres wppc.alabama@gmail.com Alaska Alaska All Academy Association WP Representative: Sandra Syrup alaskaallacademiesassociation@gmail.com Arkansas West Point Parents Club of Arkansas President: Bryan Looney wppcofarkansas@gmail.com Arizona West Point Parents Club of Arizona President: Rose Esterly pres.wppc.az@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Southern Arizona President: Vacant California West Point Parents Club of Central California President: Vacant West Point Parents Club of Inland Empire California President: Vacant West Point Parents Club of Orange County California President: Megan Hicks president@wppcoc.org West Point Parents Club of Los Angeles County Co-Presidents: Laszlo and Jeanine Klima wppc.sfv@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of San Diego Presidents: Francis and Natalie Hall wppcofsandiego@gmail.com West Point Parents Club North California President: Linda Updegraff wppcnorca.lu@gmail.com Colorado West Point Parents Club of Colorado Co-Presidents: Christopher and Tristen Wendland info@westpointparentclub-colorado.org Connecticut West Point Parents Club of Connecticut President: Susan Cooper westpointparentsclubct@gmail.com Delaware West Point Parents Club of Delaware President: Vacant Florida West Point Parents Club of Central Florida Co-Presidents: Jeff Kotkin info@wppc-centralflorida.org West Point Parents Club of South Florida President: Sarah Persteins wppcsouthflorida@gmail.com US Service Academy Parents Club - Florida Capital Region Co-Presidents: Scott & Hope Grant USSAParentclub@gmail.com PARENTS CLUBS WEST POINT PARENTS CLUBS As of May 2023. For the most current Parents Club information, please click HERE.
WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 9 West Point Parents Club of Gulf Coast Florida President: Steven Hahn wppcgc@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of South West Florida Co-Presidents: Craig and Patty Holston wppcswfl@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of North Florida President: Lynda Follenweider wppcnf@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast President: Sarah Persteins wppcsouthflorida@gmail.com Georgia West Point Parents Club of Georgia President: Joanna Vagner joanna@vagnergroup.com Hawaii West Point Parents Club of Hawaii Co-Presidents: Kevin Humphrey and Beth Conroy-Humphrey wppcofhawaii@gmail.com Idaho West Point Parents Club of Idaho President: Alec Sarrazolla copnstock@msn.com Illinois West Point Parents Club of Central Illinois President: TomWeiss wppccil@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Illinois President: Dennis Kirby ’89 wppcilpresident@gmail.com Indiana West Point Parents Club of Indiana Co-Presidents: Joe and Natalie Godsil westpointpci@gmail.com Iowa West Point Parents Club of Iowa President: Barb South wppciowa@gmail.com Kentucky West Point Parents Club of Kentucky President: Wendy Sirchio wppcky@gmail.com Louisiana West Point Parents Club of Louisiana President: Dawn Newbry wppcoflouisiana@gmail.com Maine West Point Parents Club of Maine President: Katerine (Kat) Joyce westpointparentsclubofmaine@gmail.com Massachusetts West Point Parents Club of Massachusetts President: Lisa Cariello ’88 wppcma@gmail.com Michigan West Point Parents Club of Michigan President: Rebecca Ufford wppcmi.president@gmail.com Minnesota West Point Parents Club of Minnesota President: Heather McCleery ’99 wppcmn@gmail.com Mississippi West Point Parents Club of Mississippi President: Jeffrey (Jeff) Eckstein ’85 Jeffrey.r.eckstein@gmail.com Missouri West Point Parents Club of Greater Kansas President: Kelvin Liebelt wppcgkc@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of St. Louis President: Frances Pennington wppcstl@gmail.com Nebraska West Point Parents Club of Nebraska and Western Iowa President: Anne Perman westpointparentsne@gmail.com
10 Nevada United States Service Academies Parents of Northern Nevada President: LTC William (Bill) Conrad ’80 ussaponn01@gmail.com Service Academy Parents Club of Las Vegas, Inc President: Paul Womack sapclasvegas@aol.com New Hampshire West Point Parents Club of New Hampshire President: Vacant New Jersey West Point Parents Club of New Jersey President: Adam Puharic president@wppcnj.org NewMexico West Point Parents Club of Northern New Mexico President: Steven Oaks oakssteven@centurylink.net New York West Point Parents Club of Central New York President: Vacant West Point Parents Club of NY and NJ Co-Presidents: Regina Clark and Dawn Klotz info.nynjwestpointparents@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Upstate New York President: William (Bill) Denn wppcuny@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Long Island President:Pete Mura wppclinyc@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Rochester New York President: Vacant Western New York Parents Club President: Grazyna Arnold wppcofwny@gmail.com North Carolina West Point Parents Club of North Carolina President: Alton (Al) Bain wppcnc1802@gmail.com Ohio West Point Parents Club of Central Ohio Co-Presidents: Rob and Jeanne Flowers wppcofcentralohio@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Greater Cincinnati President: Jennifer Leslie wppc.cincinnati@gmail.com Oklahoma West Point Parents Club of Central Oklahoma Co-Presidents: Valeria Lassiter wppccco@icloud.com West Point Parents Club of Eastern Oklahoma President: Vacant Oregon West Point Parents Club of Oregon President: Julie Cavinee westpointpcor@gmail.com Pennsylvania West Point Parents Club of Central Pennsylvania President: Chris Pushart wppcofcentralpa@yahoo.com West Point Parents Club of Mid-State Pennsylvania President: Julean Thorpe juleanthorpe@live.com West Point Parents Club of South East Pennsylvania President: Amy Janowski wppcsepa@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Lehigh & Schuykill Valley Pennsylvania President: Bob Lawrence lvwpparentsclub@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of North East Pennsylvania President: Mark Reboli wppcofnepa@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Western Pennsylvania and Northeast West Virginia President: Bob Mallon wppc.wpa@gmail.com Rhode Island West Point Parents Club of Rhode Island President: Mary Beth Nunnery wppcofri@gmail.com PARENTS CLUBS
WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 11 South Carolina West Point Parents Club of South Carolina President: Keith Bales scwppc@gmail.com Tennessee West Point Parents of Memphis & the Mid-South President: Ken Killebrew killebrew6@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Mid-Tennessee Co-Presidents: Jackie and Nick Matzirakis wppctn@gmail.com Texas West Point Parents Club of El Paso & S. New Mexico President: Vacant West Point Parents Club of North Texas President: Derick Hutchins wppcntx@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of Greater Houston Co-Presidents: Ginny Garriques and Gary Lewis president@wppcgh.com West Point Parents Club of South Texas President: Tina DeMeritt wppcstx@gmail.com Utah West Point Parents Club of Utah President: Colby Jenkins ’99 westpointparentsutah@gmail.com Vermont West Point Parents Club of Vermont President: Anna Schaal wppcvt@gmail.com Virginia West Point Parents Club of Central Virginia President: Shana Mell wppccentralva@gmail.com Washington West Point Parents Club of Washington President: Kristin Nelson wppcwa@gmail.com West Point Parents Club of SWWashington Co-Presidents: Scott and Jennifer Ericson wppcorswa@gmail.com Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia West Point Parents Club of MD, DC, VA President: Anna Wojcik president@wppc-mddcva.org West Virginia West Point Parents Club of the Eastern Panhandle West Virginia President: Vacant West Point Parents Club of Western Pennsylvania and Northeast West Virginia President: Bob Mallon wppc.wpa@gmail.com Wisconsin Wisconsin West Point Parents Association President: Ed Murphy wwppa.president@gmail.com Wyoming West Point Parents Club of Colorado Co-Presidents: Christopher and Tristen Wendland info@westpointparentclub-colorado.org International – Korea West Point Korean Parents Club President: Richard Kang westpointkpc@gmail.com
12 Dear Proud Parent, Congratulations, your cadet is on a journey to joining the ranks of the prestigious Long Gray Line and continuing the Academy’s tradition of leadership and service. My name is Shelisa Baskerville and I serve as the Parent Giving Officer for the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG). I am a 31+ year Army spouse, married to Colonel John Baskerville ’90 who is currently serving as the Head of the Department of Foreign languages (DFL). I am also the proud mom of 5 young men, one of whom attended USMAPS and is joining the Class of 2027. I work very closely with the many professionals at the Academy, especially Ms. Debra Dalton. We routinely collaborate on communications with graduates, parents, and friends of the Academy. WPAOG’s mission is to serve West Point and its graduates, and part of that service is to cadets and parents as part of our extended family. We invite you to join us for some of the great activities for families, such as the Pre-Reception Day (R-Day) Ice Cream Social and additional activities within R-Day, A-Day, Army football games, Family Weekend, Plebe-Parent Weekend, and graduation. In addition to this Parent Handbook, WPAOG’s Parent Resources page has information about Academy events and the nearly 80 West Point Parents Clubs. WPAOG, on behalf of the Academy, also raises private funds to support Margin of Excellence programs that offer valuable opportunities to cadets beyond what is made possible by the federal government. I will help you become better acquainted with ways to support the West Point Parents Fund, which supports the many programs that can enrich your cadet’s experience. Superintendent’s Circle members receive benefits such as preferential seating at graduation, parades, and events. Consider getting involved now by making a gift today. Please remember to fill out the Parent Data Form so that we can better serve you throughout your family’s 47-month West Point experience and beyond. I am here to answer your questions, support your Parents Club activities, and through the West Point Parents Fund, help enhance your new cadet candidate’s experience at the Academy. I am available anytime to assist you and you may contact me directly at 845.446.1535 or parentrelations@wpaog.org. Go Army! Shelisa Baskerville WPAOG Parent Giving Officer WEST POINT ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES WELCOME
13 VISITING WEST POINT THE FREDERIC V. MALEK WEST POINT VISITORS CENTER — YOUR FIRST STOP WHEN VISITING THE ACADEMY! The Malek West Point Visitors Center attracts, educates, and informs the public about the Academy and its programs. The Malek West Point Visitors Center provides an excellent central starting point for all visitors to the U.S. Military Academy. The Malek West Point Visitors Center andWest Point Museum are open to the general public on a daily basis. Videos on cadet life andWest Point history are shown continuously throughout the day. Exhibits include a full-scale cadet barracks room, a cadet uniform closet, a look at cadet daily life, academic fields of endeavor, and the admissions process. The Malek West Point Visitors Center also has a gift shop and public rest rooms. They are accessible to those with special needs. Visitors may enter the Academy grounds by guided tours; however, there are no guided tours during Graduation Week, on Football home game days, or on any days the Malek West Point Visitors Center is closed or closes early. Tours may be canceled at any time. It is strongly recommended that visitors call the Malek West Point Visitors Center at 845.938.2638 the week they are traveling to West Point to check on the status of tours. For the current schedule of tours and prices, call West Point Tours, Inc. at 845.446.4724 or go to westpointtours.com.
14 Identification Requirements to Enter West Point Escorted Visitors Escorted visitors are persons who enter West Point accompanied by a qualified escort. Escorted visitors do not need to visit the Visitor Control Center but must remain with the qualified escort and have in their possession an approved form of identification at all times. DoD Identification Card If you are in possession of a valid (not expired) Department of Defense-issued identification card, you may enter West Point and other federally controlled installations. Qualified Escorts Qualified escorts are Department of Defense identification card holders. This includes Common Access Card holders (Military, Government Civilian employees, and contractors) or Teslin identification card holders (Retirees, their spouses, and Military dependents aged 18 and older). A qualified escort must accompany each individual he or she is escorting. When riding in a vehicle through an entrance gate at West Point, a qualified escort may only sponsor those individuals who are in his or her vehicle. A qualified escort may not sponsor a vehicle that he or she is not in. Visitors If you are not a Department of Defense-issued identification card holder, you must obtain a Local Area Credential (LAC) by filling out a Local Area Credential Request Form and visiting our Visitor Control Center at 2107 New South Post Road, West Point, NY 10996, Tel: 845.938.0390 or 845.938.0392. The Visitor Control Center is located on the lower level of the Malek West Point Visitors Center and is open daily: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to Stony Lonesome Gate. If you do not have a Department of Defense-issued identification card, you will be considered one of three categories: Escorted Visitor, Foreign Visitor, and Unescorted Visitor. Generally, a current driver’s license or passport will suffice for identification, but driver’s licenses and identification cards from specific territories and states that do not comply with the REAL ID Act of 2005 may not be used as the sole source for identity verification to access Federal installations. A listing of the current state-by-state compliance is available at dhs.gov/current-status- states-territories.
WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 15 Foreign Visitors Foreign visitors must be escorted at all times by a qualified escort in order to enter the installation. That requirement can be met by either entering with a DoD identification card holder or taking a bus tour with an assigned guide provided the bus tour agency presents a valid legible manifest. Unescorted Visitors Unescorted visitors are persons 18 years of age and above without a valid (not expired) Department of Defense-issued identification card. Unescorted visitors are asked to report to the Visitor Control Center at 2107 New South Post Road, West Point, NY 10996 to apply for a West Point Local Area Credential (LAC). The Visitor Control Center is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to Stony Lonesome Gate. To expedite the process of obtaining a LAC, we encourage you to fill out and bring a completed Local Area Credential Request form with you. Local Area Credential expiration dates vary due to the length of stay and type of visitor. Please inquire at the Visitor Control Center when applying for your credential. Requirements for Unescorted Visitors Visitors 18 years of age and above will need to have a valid photo ID (e.g., a driver’s license) containing biographical information such as name, address, gender, eye color, and height. Generally, a current driver’s license or passport will suffice for identification, but driver’s licenses and identification cards from specific territories and states that do not comply with the REAL ID Act of 2005 are not to be used as the sole source for identity verification to access Federal installations. Acceptable primary forms of identification, not including a driver’s license, are: 1. United States Passport or United States Passport Card. 2. Permanent Resident Card/Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551). 3. Foreign passport with a temporary (I-551) stamp or temporary (I-551) printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa. 4. Employment authorization document that contains a photograph (Form I-766). 5. U.S. Military or draft record. 6. U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card. 7. Transportation Worker Identification Card. 8. Native American Tribal Document. 9. In the case of a nonimmigrant alien authorized to work for a specific employer incident to status, a foreign passport with Form I-94 or Form I-94A bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien’s nonimmigrant status, as long as the endorsement has not yet expired and the proposed employment is not in conflict with any restrictions or limitations identified on the form.
16 VISITING WEST POINT Anyone who does not possess a driver’s license or identification card compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005 is not allowed access onto West Point unless they have a secondary form of identification (see approved list below). A listing of the current state-by-state compliance is available at dhs.gov/current-status-states-territories. Security requirements are subject to change without notice. For updates and current requirements please visit westpoint.edu/visiting-west-point. Parking on West Point During the week, the parking lots in the central area are reserved for the work force. Visitors and guests are welcome to use the post shuttle service during the hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday.
WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 17 The West Point Museum The West Point Museum is the oldest museum in the Department of Defense, opened in 1854. It is located next to the Malek West Point Visitors Center. It consists of six galleries that focus on West Point and its history, the history of warfare, the history of the U.S. Army in both war and peace, and a history of military small arms and large weapons. The collections are diverse and contain military arms, uniforms, and flags, as well as military battle art, portraiture, and other memorabilia related to West Point and the Corps of Cadets. The earliest exhibits date to 3000 B.C. with artifacts from Egypt’s Old Kingdom, and the most current objects are from the Gulf War. Galleries are designed by theme and then laid out chronologically to facilitate self-guided tours. Check the museum’s website for information at History.army.mil/museums/IMCOM/WestPoint. For the most up to date information, please visit the museum’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/WestPointMuseum.
18 VISITING WEST POINT Constitution Island During the Revolutionary War, the fortifications at West Point and Constitution Island were critical to the defense of the Hudson River. The Constitution Island Association runs tours to Constitution Island for the public from late June through late September and at special times during the year. To reach the island, visitors take a ferry from the South Dock at West Point. Visit the website at constitutionisland.org/tours or call 845.265.2501 to learnmore. Gift Shops West Point Association of Graduates Gift Shop WPAOG’s Gift Shop, located in Herbert Hall at 698 Mills Road, offers a wide variety of West Point-related apparel and gifts, including many top retail brands. Open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on special occasion Saturdays, or shop online 24/7 at WPAOGGiftShop.com. Call 800.426.4725 for more information. Daughters of the United States Army Gift Shop Located in the West Point Museum, the DUSA Shop has a variety of museum-related items, West Point souvenirs, and other specialty products. Visit their website at dusagiftshopwestpoint.org or call the museum at 845.446.0566. ArmyWest Point Athletics Gift Shop Located in the same building as the Malek West Point Visitors Center, this shop offers a full line of West Point-related clothing and souvenir items. The facility is open the same hours as the Visitors Center. Visit their website at shop.goarmysports.comor call 845.446.3085/800.315.USMA. West Point Spouses’ Club Gift Shoppe Located just north of the cemetery, this shop offers West Point-themed jewelry, stationery, children’s items, and scrapbooking supplies. Many of the items are handcrafted by military spouses. Store hours are published on their website at shopthepoint.comor call 845.938.7783.
19 DEVELOPING LEADERS OF CHARACTER The Honor Code The mission of the U.S. Military Academy is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation. For over a century, the Cadet Honor Code has provided the foundation for character development at West Point. The West Point Cadet Honor Code states: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.” Living under the Honor Code develops cadets to become more truthful in their lives, fair to all around them, respectful of others’ property, and responsible for their community’s well-being. The ideals affirmed in the Honor Code attract toWest Point youngmen and women who aspire “to live above the common level of life.” The unyielding requirements of the Code instruct, motivate, and ultimately shape cadets during their years at the Academy. Most importantly, the effects of the Code continue to guide and inspire Graduates during their years of military service and beyond. More than any other aspect of West Point, the Honor Code unites the “Long Gray Line” of cadets and graduates by expressing their shared commitment to personal integrity and professional responsibility. The Honor Code is a straightforward standard that develops cadets’ moral character and fosters a culture of trust at West Point. The first three tenets of the Code—a cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal—are prohibitions against behaviors that damage trust and teamwork.
20 Those elements of the Code establish a minimum standard that all cadets are capable of meeting from their first day at the Academy. Refusing to lie, cheat, or steal on any typical day is not particularly demanding. However, living up to that standard every day—for four consecutive years, in all situations and despite all temptations and personal consequences—can be uncomfortable or difficult at times. The Honor Code pushes cadets to perceive the ethical aspects of situations and then “to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong” whenever faced with that choice. Over their years at West Point, cadets’ daily adherence to the Honor Code—on decisions both big and small— forges within themselves strong habits of trustworthy character. The fourth tenet of the Code—a cadet will not tolerate any cadet who has lied, cheated, or stolen—builds upon the first three and is essential tomaintainingWest Point’s culture of honor and integrity. Unenforced standards quickly decline, generate cynicism, and eventually cease to exist. The “non-toleration clause” challenges cadets to accept their collective responsibility as heirs and stewards of the Cadet Honor Code. It also prepares them for their years of service as Army professionals, during which they will be responsible for policing their own ranks in order tomaintain trust with Soldiers, Families, and the American people they serve. This fourth tenet is different than the others, as it requires cadets to expand their sense of personal integrity to include professional responsibility. Despite its demands, living under the Cadet Honor Code is supremely rewarding for cadets, whose lives are enhanced inmany ways. Their words are accepted as absolute truth unless positive evidence indicates otherwise. They enjoy a trustworthy environment at West Point, an honorable reputation and the esteemof others wherever they go, and the sublime satisfaction of living to a high standard for something greater than themselves. Over time, cadets come to appreciate that their adherence to the Honor Code is preparing them to lead successfully in the Army, where building and maintaining trust with seniors, peers, and subordinates is absolutely essential. The Cadet Character Education Program (CCEP) The Cadet Character Education Program, colloquially referred to as the CCEP, provides intermittent “doses” of ungraded educational experiences during which cadets can focus solely on their character development. CCEP lessons are held during the Commandant’s Hour immediately after lunch on five to ten days per semester, and these lessons are typically led by other cadets or volunteers from the staff and faculty. The purpose of the Cadet Character Education Program is to provide cadets instruction and experiences that support their development intomen and women of integrity whose personal character is aligned with the Army’s professional values. The CCEP curriculumhas three lines of effort: The Cadet Honor Code and Honor System; Personal Character; and the Army’s Professional Military Ethic. In the CCEP, Cadets learn that trustworthy character requires excellence inmultiple domains of virtues—moral, civic, martial, intellectual, and performance—and that the exercise of virtues leads to flourishing lives and thriving organizations. All CCEP lessons are designed to help cadets develop greater “character literacy” so they can reflect more deeply on their own character growth and coach others to do the same.
WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 21 The Study of Officership All First-Class Cadets take the Superintendent’s capstone course: MX400 “Officership.” This three-credit course integrates material from the Academic, Military, and Character programs, highlighting the complex demands that are placed on officers. MX400 builds upon what cadets have learned at West Point to help themprepare for the professional challenges they will face in the coming years. MX400 is organized around three major blocks of instruction and two historical case studies, with the course culminating in an exercise that challenges cadets to integrate all they have learned at West Point to address complex problems they realistically might face as lieutenants. The first block of instruction orients cadets on the challenges the Army Professional faces and on the Army’s future operating concept. The second instructional block invites cadets to reflect upon their professional identity. The lessons examine what professions are and what Soldiers must know, do, and be in order to serve our nation honorably as professionals. The third instructional block takes a practical look at officers’ professional responsibility to provide moral leadership. MX400 is the culmination of West Point’s Character Program, symbolizing that the reason our nation invests somuch inWest Point to develop leaders of character is because leaders of exceptional character are essential to defending our nation and its Constitutional formof government. CADET LIFE The West Point Experience West Point is highly selective, enrolling only the most promising youngmen and women. They are bright, eager, and enthusiastic; and they demonstrate a high degree of extraordinary leadership potential. They are among the finest young people in America, and we are proud that they have chosen to come toWest Point. When cadets enter the Academy, they become active duty members of the U.S. Army and take the first steps toward joining the Long Gray Line, one of the proudest traditions in the Army and in the nation. At West Point, cadets will be developed as leaders of character to prepare to serve our Army and country for a lifetime. The demanding 47-monthWest Point experience transforms cadets into leaders. This experience includes academic, military, physical, and character development. A strong emphasis onmoral-ethical standards is woven into each developmental area. Parents are justifiably proud of the accomplishments of their cadets. Academic Program During the first two years, the Academic Program consists primarily of a core curriculum of English, History, Information Technology, Mathematics, Science, and Behavioral and Social Sciences. This broad base of knowledge forms the foundation for a higher-level curriculum, a minimum of three engineering courses, and specialization in an academic major. Our program offers a wide variety of academic support resources, such as Additional instruction (AI) through course instructors, tutoring services and group study sessions through cadet companies and the Center for Enhanced Performance, writing consultations through the Mounger Writing Center, performance and
22 counseling services, and more. For enrichment opportunities, cadets can take advantage of research opportunities through their academic departments, get involved in academic clubs, conduct internships, study abroad, compete for graduate scholarships, and more. For more information on the Academic Program, check out our website at westpoint.edu/academics. Majors The curriculum, which includes 50 required courses, gives a balanced education in arts, sciences, and the humanities. Cadets choose their major in the spring term of their Plebe year, which adds depth to their learning. Below are the academic majors offered at West Point. Department of Social Sciences • American Politics • Economics • International Affairs Department of English and Philosophy • English • Philosophy Department of Chemistry and Life Science • Chemistry • Chemical Engineering • Life Science Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering • Civil Engineering • Mechanical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science • Computer Science • Cyber Science • Electrical Engineering Department of Foreign Languages • Foreign Area Studies • Foreign Languages Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering • Environmental Engineering • Environmental Science • Geography • Geospatial Information Science Department of History • History Department of Law • Law and Legal Studies DEVELOPING LEADERS OF CHARACTER
WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 23 Department of Mathematical Sciences • Applied Statistics & Data Science • Operations Research (Joint with Dept. of Systems Eng.) • Mathematical Science Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering • Nuclear Engineering • Advanced Physics • Space Science Department of Systems Engineering • Engineering Management • Operations Research (Joint with Dept. of Math) • Systems and Decision Sciences • Systems Engineering Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership • Engineering Psychology • Management • Psychology • Sociology Department of Physical Education • Kinesiology Department of Military Instruction • Defense and Strategic Studies To learn more about the academic program, you may review The Red Book.
24 DEVELOPING LEADERS OF CHARACTER United States Military Academy Academic Accreditation The United States Military Academy at West Point has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1949. It is reaccredited every ten years, most recently in 2021. Programs in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. United States Military Academy programs in Computer Science and Information Technology are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Military Program When new cadets arrive on R-Day, they immediately begin to experience the military environment that is ever-present at the Academy. They are required to conduct themselves according to military standards. The first phase of military training is given during the seven-week program known as Cadet Basic Training (CBT) or “Beast Barracks.” CBT is one of the most strenuous and intense periods of training cadets encounter while at the Academy. CBT culminates with an exercise using the skills new cadets have learned over the six weeks of training: land navigation, military tasks, and problem solving. CBT is officially over when the new cadets complete the “March Back” from Lake Frederick to West Point. Marching alongside the new cadets will be graduates of all classes as well as graduates from the 50-year affiliate class, which graduated 50 years before the new Plebe class is expected to be commissioned. Once the March Back is complete, the new cadets will begin what is known as ReorganizationWeek. New cadets will be assigned to a Yearling (2nd year cadet) to assist with setting themup for success as they prepare for the academic year. At the end of the week, the Corps of Cadets will conduct a brigade review (or parade) on the Plain known as the Acceptance Day (or A-Day) Parade. The new class is officially accepted into the Corps and becomes Plebes. The Plebes will be allowed to spend time with their families following the A-Day parade. Cadets will know the parameters of their privileges.
WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 25 DPE’s Mission The Mission of the Physical Education Program is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps by challenging each Cadet in activities that promote holistic health and optimal physical performance to commission leaders of character who are physically fit and mentally tough. The Physical Program USMA’s Physical Program provides a rigorous, iterative, and developmental physical education curriculum, routine fitness testing, and required competitive sports participation. Cadets are challenged to maintain optimal levels of physical readiness and develop the movement skills necessary to meet the demands of military training and combat. The Physical Program is an integral part of character development and is foundational to the military development of future officers who consistently pursue excellence. Physical Education Curriculum The Physical Education Curriculum is a mix of physical activity courses and fitness education courses. During Cadets’ Fourth-Class (freshman) year, Cadets enroll in two classes: Boxing and Fundamentals of Personal Fitness. Boxing requires Cadets to display the Warrior Ethos necessary to engage an opponent through controlled aggression. Fundamentals of Personal Fitness exposes Cadets to the Army’s Holistic Health & Fitness (H2F) system allowing them to establish their personal fitness ideology. In the Third-Class (sophomore) year, Cadets enroll in Military Movement and Survival Swimming. Military Movement is an applied gymnastics course that gives Cadets the kinesthetic foundation necessary to move effectively on a battlefield. Survival Swimming requires Cadets to develop the critical skills and composure necessary to endure in a dynamic aquatic environment. Cadets are enrolled in Combat Applications and Army Fitness Development during their Second-Class (junior) year. Combat applications provides a capstone combatives experience that aligns with the Army’s Modern Army Combatives Program. Army Fitness Development requires Cadets to design, assess, and implement mission-focused physical readiness training to optimize unit performance. In Cadets’ First-Class (Senior) year, they will engage in one of many Lifetime Physical Activity courses, such as Strength Development, Aerobic Fitness, Rock climbing, Skiing, Basketball, SCUBA, Golf, and Level I Army Combatives. In addition to the Core Curriculum, qualified cadets may choose to major in Kinesiology. These select cadets provide the Army with breadth and depth in human movement, performance, and optimization.
26 DEVELOPING LEADERS OF CHARACTER Fitness Testing Regular fitness testing drives cadets to pursue physical excellence and reinforces the relevance of physical fitness within the profession of arms. Twice a year Cadets take the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), which consists of six events that provide a robust assessment of fitness across all components of physical readiness (aerobic and anaerobic endurance, muscular strength and endurance, power). The ACFT is the physical assessment of the Army’s H2F System that is designed to improve soldier and unit readiness, reduce preventable injuries, and enhance mental toughness. Cadets are also required to pass the Indoor Obstacle Course Test (IOCT) as a stand-alone graduation requirement. The IOCT highlights a Cadet’s ability to demonstrate athleticism under pressure while assessing strength, endurance, agility, balance, coordination, speed, and power. Competitive Sports Participation in competitive sports contributes to the development of Warrior Ethos, sportsmanship, teamwork, perseverance, and moral-ethical decision making. Aligning with the maxim “every Cadet an athlete,” the Competitive Sports Program requires all cadets to participate in company, competitive club, or intercollegiate athletics. Upper-class cadets serve as team captains, officials, and coaches. Fundamental to the competitive sports program is the development and demonstration of all facets of character: moral, civic, performance, social and leadership.
WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 27 Summer Training The academic year is complemented by an intense and progressive summer training program. Cadet Basic Training (CBT) and Cadet Field Training (CFT) are designed to prepare cadets for the physical demands of military service and combat environments. Summer training integrates military and physical training, providing Cadets repeated opportunities to apply principles learned during the academic year’s physical education curriculum. Beyond the Physical Program The Physical Program assists in the mission of developing commissioned leaders of character by providing a tough, realistic, and iterative set of developmental experiences. This 47-month experience begins on Reception Day when a New Cadet enters Cadet Basic Training and ends on Graduation Day when a cadet is commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. This developmental experience culminates with the emergence of graduates who Live Honorably, Lead Honorably and Demonstrate Excellence.
28 DEVELOPING LEADERS OF CHARACTER Privileges, Leave, and Passes A “pass” is a privilege that may be earned. It is approved or disapproved by the company tactical officer (TAC). Eligible cadets in their Plebe year are authorized routine passes; one pass per term (semester), allowing the cadet to travel away from the Academy for a weekend. Eligible cadets in their Yearling year are authorized two passes in the first term and three passes in the second term. Eligible cadets in their Cow year are authorized three passes in the first term and four passes in the second term. Eligible cadets in their Firstie year are authorized unlimited passes. Cadets have the ability/opportunity to be awarded a performance pass, a reward for exceptional behavior or performance regardless of position or class. Performance passes may be awarded when a cadet performs in a truly exemplary fashion in any one of the four pillars (academic, physical, military, and character). Cadets in good standing can enjoy privileges while attendingWest Point. Privileges are earned, are commensurate with rank, and are applicable to cadets proficient in all of the four Academy Program areas: academic, physical, military, and character. The term deficient refers to a snap-shot in time of the cadet’s performance. Spirit passes are passes that authorize a cadet to depart the Academy with the requirement of supporting a designated sporting event while on pass. A Spirit pass does not count against a cadet’s routine passes. Cadets do have limits on the number of Spirit passes that can be taken each year. Generally, all cadets are authorized leave as a part of the curriculum and as a respite from academic andmilitary duties. Unless otherwise notified, cadets may take leave fromWest Point during Thanksgiving, December Winter Leave period, Spring Break, and during the summer. Cadets will receive specific information through privilege memorandums at the start of the academic year that specify departure and return times for these leave periods. Cadets may have opportunities to travel outside the U.S., either with family, on their own, or via a trip associated withWest Point. As members of the military, cadets are required to review Army/DoD guidelines and complete training as required and if necessary seek appropriate permission to travel. Cadets do have the ability to apply for/renew tourist passports at West Point. The West Point Community Post Office (Swift Road) offers this service. If an official passport is required to support travel on an Academy-related experience, West Point will assist in the application process. Information about leaves and passes is contained in the USCC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and associated privilege memorandums for leave periods. Cadets are responsible for submitting all requests and obtaining approval for leaves or passes. Approval must be obtained from the cadet’s Tactical Officer before making any travel arrangements.
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