WPAOG Parent Handbook 2021-22

WestPointAOG.org | 800.BE A.GRAD 21 instead of the easier wrong” whenever faced with that choice. Over their years at West Point, cadets’ daily adherence to the Honor Code—on decisions both big and small— forges within themselves strong habits of trustworthy character. The fourth tenet of the Code—a cadet will not tolerate any cadet who has lied, cheated, or stolen—builds upon the first three and is essential tomaintainingWest Point’s culture of honor and integrity. Unenforced standards quickly decline, generate cynicism, and eventually cease to exist. The “non-toleration clause” challenges cadets to accept their personal responsibility as heirs and stewards of the Cadet Honor Code. It also prepares them for their years of service as Army professionals, during which they will be responsible for policing their own ranks in order tomaintain trust with their Soldiers, Families, and Nation. This fourth tenet is different than the others, as it requires cadets to expand their sense of personal integrity to include professional responsibility. The non-toleration clause demands that cadets do what is right for their profession, even at a cost to themselves and others, including friends. The clause compels cadets to hold themselves and each other accountable to their duty to uphold, be accountable to, and steward the Honor Code. Despite its demands, living under the Cadet Honor Code is supremely rewarding for cadets, whose lives are enhanced inmany ways. Their words are accepted as absolute truth unless positive evidence indicates otherwise. They enjoy a trustworthy barracks environment at West Point, an honorable reputation and the esteemof others wherever they go, and the sublime satisfaction of living to a high standard for something greater than themselves. Over time, cadets come to appreciate that their adherence to the Honor Code is preparing them to lead successfully in the Army, where building trust is absolutely essential. Cadet Character Education Program (CCEP) The purpose of the Cadet Character Education Program is to provide cadets instruction and experiences that support their development into self-aware, virtuous men and women whose personal character is aligned with the Army’s professional values. The CCEP curriculumhas four lines of effort: The Honor Code and Honor System; Personal Virtue; the Army’s Professional Military Ethic; and Leader Challenge sessions that prepare cadets tomake good judgments in the ethically complex situations they will encounter as commissioned officers. The Profession of Officership “Officership” is the practice of being a commissioned Army leader. Officers swear an oath of loyalty and service to the Constitution. They serve at the pleasure of the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Officers are accountable for the state of the Army and the accomplishment of its missions. Officers apply discretionary judgment and bear ultimate moral responsibility for their decisions. Their commission imposes total accountability and requires service of unlimited liability. Essential to officership is a unique self-concept, shared throughout the profession, consisting of four roles—servant of the nation, warrior, member of a profession, and leader of character. Grounded in the Army Values—Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Sel ess