West Point removes ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ from official military ethos

A New Chapter in West Point’s Legacy: Embracing “Army ​Values”

In a move that reflects both tradition and evolution, the esteemed U.S. Military Academy at West Point has revisited its storied motto. Transitioning from the iconic “Duty, Honor, Country,” ‍the Academy has chosen to foreground “Army Values” as the centerpiece⁣ of its ethos.

“Duty, Honor, Country will forever be foundational to West Point’s culture,” assured West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland.​ “They are the bedrock upon which we stand⁣ and will continue to guide us.”

After an extensive, ⁣collaborative review with leaders and external​ stakeholders, West Point’s refreshed ⁣strategy aims to forge leaders who are exceptionally prepared for the demands of ⁢modern ⁢warfare while being steeped in the values that unify the Army ‌with the Academy’s⁢ mission, as highlighted in ‌Lt. Gen. Gilland’s correspondence.

Updated Mission​ Statement: A Commitment to ‍Army and Nation

West Point’s updated mission statement now reads:

“To build,⁣ educate, train, and inspire the Corps of ​Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to ​the Army Values and ready for⁢ a lifetime of service to the Army ‍and Nation.“

Colonel Terence Kelley’s statement to the Washington Examiner reiterates the historic weight of “Duty, Honor,‍ Country” ⁤while embracing the comprehensive scope of‍ the Army⁣ Values:

“As with previous‍ updates, we’ve embraced the full spectrum of⁣ Army Values, ensuring our mission reflects the ever-evolving landscape of military service and leadership.”

The cornerstone motto “Duty,⁤ Honor, Country” has been a defining feature of West Point since 1898, artfully capturing the essence of the Academy’s mission. The faculty and staff,​ led by the superintendent, continue to hold these ⁤values in high esteem despite the refreshed phrasing.

This revision marks another milestone since⁤ the last update in ⁤2005 and is the first time “Army Values”‌ have taken precedence in‍ the Academy’s mission statement, which interestingly did not⁤ officially include “Duty, Honor, Country” until the eighth iteration in 1998.

Community Reactions: Diverse Perspectives on the Change

Social media responses have been⁤ polarized, with retired soldier⁣ Mark⁣ Hertling defending the update:

“Incorporating ‘Army⁢ Values’ ⁢broadens the mission, incorporating loyalty, duty, respect,‍ selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal ‌courage (LDRSHIP)—traits that bolster serving the country.”

Evangelist Franklin Graham, conversely, scrutinized the change, ‌expressing concerns over the potential vagueness of “Army Values” and its implications:

“By replacing ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ with ‘Army Values,’ there’s ‍a​ risk ​of diluting these timeless principles. We need ⁢clarity on what constitutes these values and assurance that they are immune to shifting societal winds.”

As‍ West Point embarks on this new chapter, the ​institution remains committed to shaping leaders who ⁤exemplify the highest standards of service, underpinned ‌by both the⁤ revered legacy of “Duty, Honor, Country” and the comprehensive ideals inherent in “Army Values.”

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