West Point Mission Statement

"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."

- U.S. Military Academy Mission

Evolution of the U.S. Military Academy Mission Statement

Time Period	USMA Mission	Essential Task Change	Purpose Change	Source
1925-1940	“To provide a four year course of instruction and training for the Corps of Cadets which will prepare its graduates for commission in the Regular Army."			Army Regulation 350-5, 1 August 1925 “Military Education”
1940-1965	“To instruct and train the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate will have the qualities and attributes essential to his progressive and continued development throughout a lifetime career as an officer of the Regular Army."	X	X	War Department Circular No. 109,3 Oct 1940 Regs, USMA, 26 Dec 1947AR 350-5, 19523 Oct 1940
1965-1976	Same as above except that the word lifetime was deleted.		X	Army Regulation 350-5, 21 Nov 1963 Change 1 to Regs, USMA of 26 Jul 1965.
1977	“To educate, train, and motivate the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate shall have the character, leadership, and other attributes essential to progressive and continuing development throughout a career of exemplary service to the Nation as an officer of the Regular Army.”	X	X	MG Sidney Berry, USMA Superintendent, and an ad hoc committee under COL Lough (D/Law) prepared; Academic Board modified and approved; ultimately approved by DA and appeared in Regs, USMA of 19 Sep 1977.
1978-1987	“To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate shall have the character, leadership, intellectual foundation, and other attributes essential to progressive and continuing development throughout a career of exemplary service to the Nation as an officer of the Regular Army."	X		During the review of the Final Report of the West Point Study Group, the Superintendent and Chief of Staff of the Army agreed that the mission of USMA should be stated as in the report, except that the word through should remain throughout as in the previous version. Regs, USMA 5 Jan 1979.
1987-1992	“To educate and train the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate shall have the attributes essential to professional growth as an officer of the Regular Army, and to inspire each to a lifetime of service to the Nation.”	X		Mission Statement signed by GEN John Wickham, Jr., CSA, and LTG Dave R.Palmer, USMA Superintendent on 27 May 1987.
1992-1998	“To educate and train the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate shall have the attributes essential to professional growth throughout a career as an officer of the Regular Army and to inspire each to a lifetime of service to the Nation.”		X	CSA approved, in a 25 Nov 1992 Memo, a request by LTG Graves, Superintendent, to revise mission statement. It restored reference to a career in the Army by adding throughout a career.
1998-2005	“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.”	X	X	Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (M&RA) Spiegel approved, on 29 April 1998, a request by LTG Christman, Superintendent, for a new mission statement. This revision added the phrase commissioned leader of character as well as the Academy’s motto, Duty, Honor, Country. It also omitted Regular from Army in accordance with the Congressional action ending the issuing of Regular Army Commissions to USMA graduates and characterized the service to the nation as selfless.
2005- 2024	“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.”		X	The Army Chief of Staff’s approval of a mission statement requested by LTG Lennox, Superintendent, was noted in an e-mail message of 30 May 2005. Their vision added prepared for since the Academy’s focus is on the preparation of officers. It replaced professional growth with professional excellence and replaced lifetime of selfless service to the Nation with service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army to focus on the Academy’s essential task.

The Motto That Shapes Leaders

West Point’s motto, “Duty, Honor, Country,” and its historic coat of arms together symbolize the values and legacy of the academy. For over two centuries, these enduring emblems have represented the commitment, courage, and integrity expected of every cadet and graduate, connecting today’s Corps of Cadets to generations of leaders who have shaped the nation.

Learn more about the Coat of Arms and Motto

The History Worn With Pride

The West Point cadet uniform embodies the academy’s history and tradition, linking today’s Corps of Cadets to more than two centuries of military excellence. Each detail—from the coat to the insignia—reflects the values of duty, honor, and country, serving as a visible reminder of the commitment cadets make to lead with integrity.

Learn more about the Cadet Uniform

The Legacy of the Color Guard

The colors and color guard at West Point represent the academy’s history and enduring values. By carrying and protecting the flag, cadets honor generations of leaders and symbolize the unity, pride, and commitment that define the Corps of Cadets.

Learn more about the Colors and Color Guard