What Led to West Point Removing ‘Duty, Honor, Courage’ from Its Mission Statement
Blowback and the Hasty Release of the New Mission
The news of the change broke last week in a brief article in the Armed Forces Press. By March 11, the MacArthur Society had made it public. This society, led by West Point alumni concerned about the academy’s direction, includes decorated CIA veteran and West Point graduate Bill Prince, who was present at the announcement during the Board of Visitors meeting.
Initially met with skepticism, the announcement was seen as unbelievable by many due to the fundamental importance of “Duty, Honor, Country” to West Point’s identity. Some individuals at West Point mentioned that the decision was not yet final and could require congressional approval. However, in response to the growing backlash, Gilland later issued a letter confirming the change.
While the superintendent cited the need to modernize the mission statement, highlighting previous alterations made over the past century, some alumni view this revision as another instance of tradition under attack by woke ideology. Changes such as removing Confederate symbols, like Robert E. Lee’s name from Reconciliation Plaza, have fueled alumni concerns about a broader erosion of traditions at West Point.
The Risk to the Army’s Mission of Winning Our Wars
By removing the motto from West Point’s mission statement, the implications go beyond diluting words; it poses a significant risk to the essence of West Point’s mission in today’s landscape.
While West Point upholds the Army Values, these values can be subject to change by political figures. It’s conceivable that under a different administration, values like “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” could be integrated into the Army Values, altering the core principles.
Consider the recent designation of climate change as a critical national security issue by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. This move highlights how even seemingly unrelated topics can become prominent concerns within defense strategy, potentially leading to shifts in core values.
Despite the backlash faced following LTG Gilland’s announcement, West Point has yet to provide a compelling reason for the necessity of this alteration. Without transparent justification, doubts arise about the intentions behind the decision and whether it aligns with the institution’s best interests.
As articulated by members of the MacArthur Society, progressive ideologies are gradually eroding traditional institutions like West Point through a methodical process, drawing attention to the influence of cultural shifts. The gradual encroachment of such ideologies poses a challenge to established principles and values.
“The shadows are lengthening for me. The twilight is here. My days of old have vanished — tone and tint. They have gone glimmering through the dreams of things that were. Their memory is one of wondrous beauty, watered by tears and coaxed and caressed by the smiles of yesterday.
“I listen then, but with thirsty ear, for the witching melody of faint bugles blowing reveille, of far drums beating the long roll. In my dreams I hear again the crash of guns, the rattle of musketry, the strange, mournful mutter of the battlefield.
“But in the evening of my memory always I come back to West Point. Always there echoes and re-echoes: Duty, Honor, Country.”
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