Come Ready to Serve. Leave Ready to Lead.

At West Point, you won’t just study leadership—you’ll live it.

Come Ready to Serve. Leave Ready to Lead.

At West Point, you won’t just study leadership—you’ll live it.

You Are Our Mission-Essential Task

From the moment you arrive as a plebe to the day you graduate as a commissioned officer, everything you do here is designed to shape your character and leadership. You’ll be challenged, guided, and supported in ways that help you grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit.

Over four years—what we call the 47-month experience—you’ll learn what it means to live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence in everything you do. You’ll discover your strengths, learn from your mistakes, and push beyond what you thought possible.

This kind of growth doesn't happen by accident. It happens on purpose—in a powerful environment where character and leadership are part of everyday life.

Learn more about the foundations of developing leaders of character Learn how every part of West Point life is connected to your growth Learn how you'll grow year by year Learn how West Point's unique community supports your journey
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"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."

- USMA Mission

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"I will live with honor and integrity, scorn injustice, and always confront substandard behavior."

- The Cadet Creed

Foundations That Shape You

From the first day of Cadet Basic Training, you start building a foundation rooted in West Point’s values that shapes you into a commissioned leader of character who lives honorably, leads honorably, and demonstrates excellence.  Living by the Cadet Honor Code—“A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do”—becomes second nature. Over time, those values move from being rules you follow to principles you lead by.

Upon graduation, you will be ready to earn and maintain the trust of your Soldiers, your leaders, and the American public, while inspiring those you lead with the character and competence that our Army and our Nation expect.

Live Honorably

Be the person who leads by example.

Living honorably isn't just about following rules—it’s about becoming the kind of person others can trust, count on, and respect. It means doing what's right, even when it’s hard, and becoming a leader who stands for something greater than themselves.

Here's how West Point teaches you to live with honor every day:

  • Internalize the Cadet Honor Code, West Point Motto, and Army Values.
  • Demonstrate moral courage regardless of personal consequences.
  • Treat others with dignity and respect.
  • Act with humility and professional decorum in all environments through appearance, demeanor, behaviors, and words.

Living honorably helps build a strong foundation for your future—especially if you’re following a path of service and leadership in the U.S. Army.

Lead Honorably

Lead with purpose. Lead with strength. Lead with honor.

Leadership is not just about the mission—it’s about how you lead others to get there.

Leading honorably is about more than just being in charge. It means using your influence to do the right thing, bring out the best in others, and stay true to your values—even when things get difficult. It's leadership that makes a lasting impact and earns real respect.

Here’s how West Point teaches you to lead with honor:

  • Accomplish the mission consistent with the Army Values.
  • Know, adhere to, and enforce standards.
  • Build cohesive and effective teams.

Leading with honor prepares you to be the kind of leader the world needs—in the Army and beyond.

Demonstrate Excellence

Work hard. Stay humble. Get better every day.

Excellence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about giving your best in everything you do, always learning, and never settling for “just okay.” To demonstrate excellence is to push yourself to grow in mind, body, and leadership, and to develop the discipline and confidence to rise to any challenge.

Excellence isn’t about showing off—it’s about showing up, giving your all, and pushing your limits.

Here’s how West Point prepares you for a lifetime of excellence:

  • Maximize academic, military, and physical performance.
  • Seek challenges and feedback; reflect and improve.
  • Communicate and interact effectively.
  • Anticipate and solve complex problems.

Demonstrating excellence builds the foundation for becoming a strong, capable, and trustworthy leader—on and off the field, in or out of uniform.

The Cadet Honor Code

Choosing the Harder Right

At West Point, integrity is non-negotiable. The Cadet Honor Code—“A Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do”—guides every decision, big and small. 

Living by the Code builds trust, shapes character, and prepares cadets to lead with honor, both in the Army and for a lifetime.

Learn more about the Cadet Honor Code

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“Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong…”

— The Cadet Prayer

Comprehensive Character Development

Every part of life at West Point is connected to your growth. The West Point Leader Development System (WPLDS) is built around three main programs that work together to develop your intellect, your leadership, and your physical readiness.

All of these experiences are grounded in one mission: to help you become a leader who lives by Duty, Honor, Country.

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"Cadets will treat others and themselves with dignity and worth and expect the same from those around them."

- The Respect Creed

Experience It for Yourself

Sign up for Summer Leader Experience (SLE)

The 47-Month Transformation

Each year at West Point builds on the last. By the time you commission, you’ll have grown from a plebe finding your footing into a confident, capable officer ready to lead with character.

4th Class - Plebe: Your Leadership Journey Begins

Your first year at West Point isn’t just about classes or workouts—it’s about becoming a leader of character. You learn the basics of discipline, teamwork, and following with respect. Every challenge, task, and milestone is designed to shape your integrity, resilience, and ability to inspire trust.

Throughout your Plebe year, you’ll focus on Character, Presence, and Intellect—the Army Leadership Attributes. You’ll learn to follow, to serve, and to lead with integrity, preparing you to earn the trust of those around you and make decisions that matter.

Every duty, test, and challenge is a step toward becoming the leader you’re capable of being. 

Reception Day (R-Day) – Your first step. You take the Oath of Commitment, meet your teammates, and begin building the discipline and focus that define every great leader.

Cadet Basic Training (CBT) – A transformative six-week experience that pushes you physically, mentally, and ethically. You’ll develop foundational leadership skills, teamwork, and the values that guide every decision.

Acceptance Day (A-Day) – The culmination of your initial training. You’re no longer a new cadet—you’ve earned your place in the Corps, ready to take on new responsibilities and lead by example.

Living Honorably – Learn to make ethical decisions guided by the Cadet Honor Code and Army values. Integrity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of trust and effective leadership.

Plebe Duties – From delivering laundry to setting tables, you practice service, responsibility, and teamwork—small actions that develop lifelong leadership habits.

Plebe Knowledge – Memorize West Point’s traditions, customs, and history. These lessons sharpen mental focus and prepare you to perform under pressure.

Physical Training – Boxing, personal fitness, and aquatics teach courage, composure, and perseverance. Physical challenges reinforce mental toughness and confidence.

Army Fitness Test (AFT) – Measures your strength, speed, and endurance, ensuring you’re ready to meet the demands of leadership in any situation.

3rd Class - Yearling: Growing as a Leader

As a Yearling, you’re no longer the new cadet—you’ve earned your place in the Corps and are stepping into real leadership responsibilities. This year is about refining your academic focus, sharpening your leadership skills, and gaining hands-on military experience. You’ll also begin looking ahead to summer training, internships, and the experiences that shape your long-term goals.

This is the year where you transition from learner to leader. You’ll start developing your own leadership style, deepen your character, and gain hands-on military experience that sets you apart. By the end of this year, you’ll have:

  • Led a team of plebes with confidence and integrity
  • Strengthened your moral courage and ethical decision-making
  • Expanded your military and academic horizons
  • Built physical and mental resilience to face any challenge

Your Yearling year is about stepping up, embracing responsibility, and moving closer to becoming the leader you’re meant to be.

Team Leadership
Yearlings are the first cadets to lead others directly. As a squad or team leader, you’ll guide plebes, build trust, communicate effectively, and develop your own leadership style. You learn by doing, taking responsibility for the growth and performance of others while contributing to your unit’s success.

Leader Development (MD201/202)
Through structured courses, you’ll practice leading in the chain of command. These experiences teach accountability, decision-making, and the art of motivating and developing subordinates.

Cadet Field Training (CFT – ML200/MD200)
CFT challenges you to apply everything you’ve learned. You’ll lead small-unit operations, test your skills in communication, soldiering, survival, and marksmanship, and gain confidence as a capable and adaptable leader.

MS200: Fundamentals of Small Unit Operations
Learn to plan, communicate, and execute squad- and platoon-level missions. This course develops problem-solving under pressure and builds confidence and competence as a young leader.

Military Individual Advanced Development Opportunities (MIAD)
MIADs give Yearlings the chance to experience real Army training, schools, and assignments. These opportunities expand your perspective, develop military skills, and provide hands-on experience in leadership and teamwork.???

Living with Integrity
Yearlings continue to deepen their understanding of the Cadet Honor Code, Army values, and ethical leadership. You’ll confront challenges that test your moral courage and learn to lead with honesty, fairness, and accountability.

Character Development Activities

  • Honor system briefings and Company Honor-Rep elections
  • Lectures and discussions on leadership, ethics, and selfless service
  • Reflection exercises, such as Cemetery Tours, emphasizing service before self

Yearlings continue building a personal fitness foundation, balancing strength, endurance, and battlefield agility. Physical development reinforces the resilience and confidence necessary to lead effectively.

Military Movement (PE117)
A 19-lesson applied gymnastics course designed to develop agility, coordination, and battlefield-ready movement skills. Cadets train in rolling, climbing, vaulting, swinging, and other essential mobility skills in dynamic environments.

Survival Swimming (PE32x)
Develop water survival skills and composure under pressure. Yearlings advance through tailored programs that teach breath control, swimming proficiency, and real-world aquatic decision-making for operational scenarios.

Indoor Obstacle Course Test (IOCT)
Test your strength, endurance, and determination. Yearlings must master the IOCT to demonstrate readiness and physical excellence, with multiple opportunities to improve and challenge yourself.

AIAD Opportunities (Internships)
Explore real-world Army and academic internships that align with your goals and provide hands-on experience.

Course Selection & Planning
Refine your academic focus, explore majors and minors, and plan your curriculum strategically to support both Army service and personal interests.

Exploring Branch Education
Continue learning about Army branches, narrowing your interests, and preparing for future roles and summer assignments.

2nd Class - Cow: Stepping Into Leadership

As a Cow, you’re fully committed to serving after graduation—your Affirmation marks that pledge. This is the year to step into advanced leadership roles, refine your tactical and ethical skills, and prepare for life after West Point. You’re closer to commissioning than ever, and every opportunity you embrace now sets the stage for your future as an Army officer.

This is the year when vision becomes action. You’ll take on bigger leadership roles, learn to lead peers with purpose and empathy, refine your tactical and physical skills, deepen your character, and prepare to serve with distinction. Every training exercise, mentorship moment, and professional challenge is a step toward becoming the Army officer you aspire to be.

Cadet Sergeant Responsibilities
As a Cow, you take on formal leadership roles, guiding plebes and yearlings, shaping your team’s performance, and serving as a role model. You’ll practice mentorship, trust-building, and decision-making while learning to balance authority with responsibility.

Leader Development (MD300/MD400)

  • Leader Detail (MD300): Plan, resource, and lead Cadet Summer Training for underclassmen. Your leadership, professional conduct, and physical fitness are evaluated in real-world training scenarios.
  • Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT, MD400): Spend three weeks embedded with an operational Army unit, gaining firsthand experience leading soldiers and confirming your branch preference.

MS300: Platoon Operations
Hone your tactical decision-making skills in realistic scenarios. You’ll practice problem-solving under pressure, apply Army doctrine creatively, and prepare to lead soldiers in complex environments.

Advanced Character Development
Your Cow year emphasizes stewardship, ethical leadership, and accountability:

  • Deepen your understanding of the Cadet Honor Code and Army values
  • Participate in leadership discussions, lectures, and scenario-based exercises
  • Lead platoon-level professional development sessions through the Leader Challenge

Mission Command Conference
Engage with real-world challenges from NCO and junior officer perspectives, reinforcing the importance of character-driven leadership in mission execution.

Combat Applications (PE360)
Develop hand-to-hand combat skills aligned with the Army’s Modern Army Combatives Program. You’ll build confidence, aggression management, and warrior ethos through grappling and clinch training.

Army Fitness Development (PE450)
Learn to plan, assess, and lead mission-focused physical readiness programs for your unit. These skills prepare you to serve as a fitness leader and role model for soldiers under your command.

Military Movement & Survival Skills
Continue advancing in mobility, coordination, and survival skills that prepare you for tactical and operational challenges.

AIADs & Internships
Apply for summer internships and academic enrichment opportunities that align with your interests and prepare you for Army assignments and beyond.

Course Planning & Majors
Refine your academic focus, explore advanced courses, and stay on track for graduation while building the knowledge to lead in your chosen branch.

Affirmation Oath Ceremony – Officially commit to serving as a commissioned officer.
Ring Show & Ring Melt – Choose and receive your class ring, a symbol of accomplishment and belonging.
Career Starter Loan – Begin planning for financial readiness as you transition to active duty.

With privileges come responsibility. You’ll manage squad, platoon, and company-level leadership tasks while collaborating with first-class cadets in staff roles, preparing you for the full spectrum of Army leadership.

1st Class - Firstie: Leading at the Summit

As a Firstie, you’re in the final stretch—the year where everything you’ve worked for comes together. You’ve affirmed your commitment to serve, and now it’s time to set the standard for the Corps and prepare to lead soldiers in the U.S. Army. Every decision, every exercise, every leadership moment shapes you into the officer you are meant to be.

This is the culmination of your West Point journey. You’ll lead the Corps, mentor the next generation, sharpen your tactical, academic, and ethical skills, and step confidently toward commissioning. Firstie year is about making every moment count, embracing responsibility, and finishing strong.

Cadet Officer Responsibilities
Firsties are the organizational leaders of the Corps. You’ll guide units from platoon to brigade, mentor junior cadets, and ensure mission success. This is where your leadership experience culminates in real-world decision-making and stewardship of the Army profession.

Leader Development (MD401/402)
Serve as cadet officers or command sergeants major, leading and relying on the performance of others. Learn to plan, coordinate, and execute operations while mentoring subordinates and building trust across the Corps.

Capstone Training (ML300 & MX400)

  • ML300 Cadet Leader Development: Refine tactical and warrior skills, practice effective communication, and make decisions under pressure.
  • MX400: Officership: Discuss the Army’s professional leadership framework of Character, Competence, and Commitment, and explore ethical leadership in practice.

Leader Challenge & Mission Command Conference
Engage in scenario-based professional development and real-world challenges from NCO and junior officer perspectives, reinforcing mission-focused leadership and ethical decision-making.

MD300 / MD400 Summer Opportunities

  • Leader Detail (MD300): Lead Cadet Summer Training for underclassmen, plan operations, and evaluate performance.
  • Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT, MD400): Gain operational experience embedded with an Army unit, confirming your branch choice and sharpening leadership skills.

Firstie year emphasizes ethical leadership, stewardship, and accountability. You’ll lead by example, mentor younger cadets, and reinforce the values that underpin the Cadet Honor Code and the Army profession. Your decisions now impact both the present and the legacy you leave behind.

Lifetime Physical Activity Courses
Build a foundation for lifelong fitness and leadership through a range of activities:

  • Combat grappling, modern Army combatives, and Olympic weightlifting
  • Rock climbing, skiing, scuba, and swimming
  • Team sports like basketball, volleyball, and soccer
  • Aerobic fitness, strength development, and racquet sports

Army Fitness & Unit Training
Continue refining physical readiness, ensuring you can lead effectively and maintain peak performance in any situation.

Academic Focus
Complete degree requirements, explore advanced opportunities through the West Point Scholars Program, and prepare for graduate or professional school if desired.

Career & Commissioning
Prepare for the Accessions Process and commission as a Second Lieutenant. Explore your assigned branch, plan your first assignments, and consider post-graduation goals including Army service or advanced education.

Ring Weekend & Branch Night – Celebrate your achievements and see where you’ll serve.
Post Night – Discover your first duty station.
100th Night & Graduation – Mark the final countdown to commissioning and step forward as a leader of character.

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A Community Built for Growth

You’ll be surrounded by people who live with honor, lead by example, challenge you to be your best, and who expect the same from themselves. Every class, every mentor, every moment helps shape you into a leader of character. 

This kind of growth isn’t something you do alone. It happens within a community that lives by high standards, reflects deeply, and helps each other improve—kind of like being on a team that pushes you to level up every day.

Here's how West Point's culture of character growth shapes you into a leader of character:

One of the most powerful ways we learn at West Point is by seeing others do the right thing. This is called role-modeling.

  • Everyone at West Point—from cadets to faculty to officers—works hard to model strong character and leadership.
  • You’ll constantly be surrounded by people who lead with respect, act with integrity, and take responsibility.
  • Over time, you won’t just follow these examples—you’ll become one yourself.

Growth doesn’t just happen—you measure it. You get regular feedback from the people who know you best, and they help you see where you're improving and where you can still grow.

Throughout your time as a cadet, you’ll participate in things like:

  • Cadet Observation Reports (CORs): Quick snapshots of your performance and behavior from your peers and leaders.
  • Periodic Development Reviews (PDRs): Scheduled one-on-one check-ins—four times per semester—to reflect on your progress and set goals.
  • Cadet Development Reports: These happen every semester and give a big-picture look at how you’re growing in both leadership and character.

No one grows alone. At West Point, mentorship is built into your experience, from day one. Your mentors are there to challenge you, support you, and help you think through tough moments.

You’ll be connected with:

  • Plebe Sponsors: These are faculty or staff who help first-year cadets adjust to academy life and stay grounded.
  • Department Academic Counselors (DACs): They guide your academic journey, help you choose the right courses, and support your learning goals.
  • PL300 Mentors: During your junior year leadership course, mentors help you apply leadership theory to real-life situations.

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You Don’t Just Earn a Degree—You Earn the Trust of a Nation

Graduating from West Point isn’t the end of your journey—it’s the beginning of a lifetime of leadership and service. You’ll enter the Army as a commissioned officer, trusted to lead soldiers, make tough calls, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and excellence.

Through challenge, mentorship, reflection, and growth, you’ll become the kind of leader others want to follow—someone who lives honorably, leads with heart, and strives for excellence in everything you do. That’s what it means to be a Leader of Character.

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"I will always place the mission first. I will never quit. I will never accept defeat. I will never leave a fallen comrade."

- Warrior Ethos

Become a Leader of Character

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West Point Leader Development System (WPLDS)

West Point develops leaders of character through a 47-month process through its academic, military, and physical programs. This West Point Leader Development System (WPLDS) synchronizes the different programs and ensures an emphasis on character development is integrated into each element. 

Learn more about how West Point achieves its mission
Where Character Meets Leadership

At West Point, leadership begins with character. The William E. Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic (SCPME) helps every cadet understand what it truly means to live honorably, lead honorably, and serve selflessly as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Through focused study, real-world application, and mentorship, cadets learn to make ethical decisions under pressure—developing the moral courage essential to lead Soldiers in war and peace.

Learn more about SCPME
Where Mentorship Meets Purpose

At West Point, leadership isn’t just taught—it’s lived every day. The Brigade Tactical Department (BTD) is where that transformation happens.
BTD’s mission is to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so every graduate becomes a commissioned leader of character—someone who lives honorably, leads honorably, and demonstrates excellence in all they do.

Learn more about BTD