Volunteers are essential to West Point’s mission of developing leaders of character for the Nation.
Volunteers are essential to West Point’s mission of developing leaders of character for the Nation.
Whether serving as a Military Academy Liaison Officer mentoring candidates, joining the West Point Association of Graduates to guide the Long Gray Line, or strengthening bonds through the 50-Year Affiliation Program, you’ll play a vital role in connecting past, present, and future generations of Army leaders.
Admissions has a unique program that permits officers assigned to the Army Reserve IRR program to have, as their dedicated reserve assignment, supporting the Directorate of Admissions. Duties include representing Admissions at events and activities within their local congressional district throughout each admissions cycle including at college fairs, congressional service academy days, meeting with school officials (teachers, guidance counselors, and various school district leadership), mentoring candidates and parents through the admission and nomination processes, assisting congressional district offices during nomination interview meetings, and assisting Admissions at USMA on an “as needed” basis.
Officers in other reserve capacities can perform these same duties without being assigned to a MALO position and enjoy many of the same benefits as MALOs including accruing additional reserve duty points when representing Admissions at events or performing Admissions-related duties and assignments as described.
Learn more about the MALO Program
Contact the West Point Reserve Affairs Office
Whether you are an active duty or retired Army officer or a civilian member, your participation in the Field Force is essential to West Point’s success. By helping to identify and recruit highly qualified high school students for the academy, you’re helping to shape the next generation of our country’s leaders. We appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm in sharing the benefits of a West Point education with future cadets. Thank you very much for your time and efforts in the service of our nation.
For further assistance, please contact your Regional Commander and/or contact our Field Force Liaison via email or by calling 845-938-5705.
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The 50-Year Affiliation Program unites each entering cadet class with a West Point class 50 years its senior, creating a living bond between graduates of yesterday and the leaders of tomorrow. From R-Day through Graduation, members of the affiliate class stand shoulder-to-shoulder with cadets at milestone Academy events—offering mentorship, inspiration, and tradition. Together, these “Gripping Hands” experiences strengthen the Long Gray Line while reinforcing the shared duty of service to the nation.
The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) relies on dedicated volunteers to help guide, support, and connect the Academy’s graduates and cadets. Whether serving on the Board of Directors, offering insight as part of the Advisory Council, or representing your class or society as an Advisor, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of the Academy while giving back to the institution that shaped you. These opportunities allow graduates to stay engaged, share their leadership, and continue the proud tradition of service to West Point and the Corps of Cadets.
The Old Grad March Back is a cherished West Point tradition where graduates from across the decades join the newest cadets for the final leg of their roughly 14-mile return to campus following Cadet Basic Training, known as Beast Barracks. Marching shoulder-to-shoulder, current cadets and “Old Grads” share stories and camaraderie, symbolizing the enduring unity and values of the Long Gray Line. This milestone event celebrates the Academy’s legacy of Duty, Honor, Country and highlights the powerful, intergenerational bond that defines the West Point experience.
Serving at West Point is more than an assignment—it’s an opportunity to shape the next generation of Army leaders.
Mentor, train, and inspire future Army officers while advancing your own professional and educational development.
From teaching in the classroom to supporting the systems that keep the campus thriving, civilians are integral to the mission of developing leaders of character for the Army and the Nation.