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West Point Removes “Duty, Honor, Country” from Mission Statement, Replacing it with “Army Values."
West Point has changed their mission statement several times over the years.
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has announced a significant change in its mission statement, marking the removal of the long-standing motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.” Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland, the Superintendent of West Point, revealed the updated mission statement in a press release on Tuesday, highlighting a shift towards emphasizing “Army Values” in the academy’s core principles.
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In the updated mission statement, West Point now aims “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.” This change replaces the previous mission statement, which focused on producing graduates who embody the values of Duty, Honor, Country and are prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as officers in the United States Army.
According to reports from Newsmax, the phrase “Duty, Honor, Country” has been integral to West Point’s ethos since it was emphasized in a speech by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1962. However, after more than two decades of inclusion in the academy’s mission statement, it has now been replaced by the broader concept of “Army Values.”
Lt. Gen. Gilland explained that the decision to revise the mission statement stemmed from a thorough review of West Point’s vision, mission, and strategy, undertaken over the past year and a half. He emphasized the academy’s responsibility to produce leaders capable of winning wars, which necessitates periodic self-assessment and adaptation.
The approval for the mission statement change came from both Army Chief of Staff Randy George and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, signifying alignment with broader Army objectives. Gilland clarified that while “Duty, Honor, Country” holds a significant place in West Point’s history and identity, the decision to replace it with “Army Values” reflects a commitment to loyalty, faith, and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, and fellow Soldiers.
Despite the alteration in the mission statement, Lt. Gen. Gilland reassured that “Duty, Honor, Country” remains foundational to West Point’s identity and will always serve as the academy's motto. He emphasized the enduring significance of these words, stating that they define the institution and unite generations of graduates across its storied history.
