Superintendent's Notes
 Sunshine and warmer temperatures have arrived in good order to the welcoming cheers of all classes; no one more so than the Class of 2013. Prior to that graduation ceremony, though, there remain many opportunities for scholarship, leadership development, and physical fitness. All Cadets have been working hard on their final academic requirements, closing out with Term End Exams that follow close behind an outstanding display of scholarship on Projects Day. The class has sustained their leader development skills in training and public service events like the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition, the annual Scout Camporee, Special Olympics, in the Cadet Half Marathon For the Fallen, and in many other less visible activities. They have strengthened their physical fitness skills through plenty of running around post, final record Army Physical Fitness Tests, and the Indoor Obstacle Course Test; always the daily commitment of the Corps to the many athletic successful programs here at the Academy.
The Corps of Cadets is doing all of those programs to mission standard in spite of a significant reduction in our funding due to the Budget Control Act and Sequestration. We continue to best prepare our cadets for their future service as leaders of character as officers in the U.S. Army. Thus far, classroom instruction is relatively unaffected by budgetary cuts, and the legion of distinguished visitors who lecture here is unabated. Recent examples of the latter include former Thayer Award Recipient Tom Brokaw, the German Federal Minister of Defense, the Russian Ambassador to the U.S., and the Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) (via video teleconference from Afghanistan).
While the Classes of 2014, 2015, and 2016 look to their advancement in the Corps of Cadets’ chain of command, it is the graduating Class of 2013 that is most keenly focused on the month of May. Preparation for another memorable and historic graduation at West Point began weeks ago. Firsties are closing out their academics, and packing their gear for the journey to their Basic Officer Leadership Courses and branch schools. After a full week of traditional awards, parades, and alumni events, the class will gather at Michie Stadium with Families and friends for their graduation ceremony. To the First Captain’s command of “class dismissed!” they will move rapidly to execute the true mission of West Point — values-based leadership of Soldiers.
The Class of 2013 will be well prepared for that privilege and responsibility, and they will begin to make their own history. We could not be more proud of their time here, nor more confident of their future selfless service to the U.S. Army and the Nation.
Army Strong!
LTG David Huntoon, Jr.
| News and Events |
Dec. 7, 2011 – Atlantic Council interview with Lt. Gen. Huntoon
Oct. 6, 2011 – 2011 Thayer Award Presentation to Dr. Robert M. Gates
May 21, 2011 – Graduation Address by Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
May 20, 2011 – Banquet Speech by First Lady, Michelle Obama
Jan. 7, 2011 – West Point signs agreement with Afghan Army
Sept. 15, 2010 – CNBC: Meeting of the Minds leadership discussion
Aug. 27, 2010 – Podcast Interview: Part of The Atlantic Council's New Atlanticist Podcast Series
Aug. 13, 2010 – Fox & Friends interviews Lt. Gen. Huntoon
July 19, 2010 – Lt. Gen. Huntoon assumes command, U.S. Military Academy |
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