WPAOG Parent Handbook 2021-22

22 Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage—this shared self-concept inspires and shapes the officer and the Army Officer Corps. Officers must be self-aware and adaptable leaders. As professionals, officers are committed tomastery of the arts and sciences of the Profession of Arms through an inspired quest for lifelong learning. Officers gain expertise through progressive education, technical training, self-development, and the experiences provided through increasingly challenging operational assignments. Officers must also be highly educated, not just inmilitary skills, but also in a broad range of disciplines, including basic sciences, engineering, the humanities, and social sciences. The Respect Program The West Point Respect Program is centered on the Respect Creed: “cadets will treat others and themselves with dignity and worth and expect the same from those around them.” West Point teaches that truly exercising respect for others is a leadership discipline and a skill that cadets and leaders develop over time. Cadets recognize that, as leaders, they are responsible for instilling a respectful climate in their cadet companies, on their athletic teams, and in their clubs. The Respect Programpromotes unconditional respect for all people and courageous communication. The idea of unconditional respect simply means recognizing that each person deserves a baseline of dignity and worth regardless of their capabilities, and courageous communication focuses on promoting respectful confrontation rather than gossiping or ostracizing. CADET LIFE The West Point Experience West Point is highly selective, enrolling only the most promising youngmen and women. They are bright, eager, and enthusiastic; and they demonstrate a high degree of extraordinary leadership potential. They are among the finest young people in America, and we are proud that they have chosen to come toWest Point. When cadets enter the Academy, they become active duty members of the U.S. Army and take the first steps toward joining The Long Gray Line, one of the proudest traditions in the Army and in the nation. At West Point, cadets will be developed as leaders of character to prepare to serve our Army and country for a lifetime. The demanding 47-monthWest Point experience transforms cadets into leaders. This experience includes academic, military, physical, and character development. A strong emphasis onmoral-ethical standards is woven into each developmental area. Parents are justifiably proud of the accomplishments of their cadets. Academic Program During the first two years the cadet program consists primarily of a core curriculumof science, English, mathematics, history, information technology, and behavioral and social sciences. This broad base of knowledge forms the foundation for a higher-level core curriculum, a minimumof three engineering courses, and specialization in an academic major. Cadets select their major in the 2nd termof their Plebe year after a eight-month exploration of available majors. We encourage cadets to keep parents informed of how they are doing. A variety of academic supports are available, and if they experience difficulty in a course, they should seek help immediately. Additional instruction (AI) is offered in every course. Cadets may also request tutors through their companies. DEVELOPING LEADERS OF CHARACTER