With the theme focused on 'influence without authority,' this year's McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character welcomed a large contingent of leaders from other industries and nations to share with cadets, midshipmen and college students their perspectives on leading with character from March 30-April 2 at the U.S. Military Academy. ...

In today’s world, the threat of an active shooter is unfortunately becoming all too common. Schools, workplaces and public spaces have all been targets of these horrific attacks, leaving devastation in their wake. ...

West Point Dean of the Academic Board Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves visited Bavaria, Germany from March 15-20 in conjunction with serving as the guest speaker for the Founders Day celebration held at Edelweiss Lodge and Resorts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. ...

On March 20, the Austrian Ambassador to the United Nations, Ambassador Alexander Marschik, and the Austrian Maj. Gen. Juergen Ortner visited the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. As part of the visit, they were guest lecturers to all of the LG204 classes on a wide range of topics including Austrian history, security policy, the UN, the Austrian perspective on neutrality and Austrian military partnerships. ...

Command Sgt. Maj. Phil K. Barretto took accountability of the U.S. Military Academy command sergeant major position from Command Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Coffey during the USMA Change of Responsibility ceremony March 31 in the Haig Room at Jefferson Library. Barretto becomes the 22nd USMA command sergeant major....

With more than 20,000 active-duty troops in Alaska and more service members operating at Thule Air Base in Greenland, a snowstorm or below-freezing temperatures are not the only weather forecasts the Army, Air Force, and Space Force have to contend with. Solar energetic particles and radio blackouts caused by the sun are just a few types of space weather patterns that can disrupt how service members perform in the field. Moreover, a forecast of space weather in the form of the enchanting aurora borealis can dramatically hinder a military operation. ...

About 40 noncommissioned officers and officers from 2nd Battalion, 315th Brigade Engineer Battalion “Shogun” from Fort Dix, N.J., toured the U.S. Military Academy March 30 as part of a unique professional development staff ride opportunity and to build an esprit de corps among the unit members. ...

The mythical Greek goddess Athena was renowned for her ferocity … and her wisdom. Deeply valuing this military and intellectual excellence, many years ago West Point assumed Athena’s helmet as one of its primary institutional symbols. Today, it still adorns many cadet uniforms, academic buildings, sports fields, special equipment and more. ...

The West Point Parachute Team traveled to Porterville, California, from March 18-25 to begin Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training with the plebe class. ...

After nearly 50 years, the original Company H-1 guidon was returned to Company H-1 during a ceremony on March 25 at Robinson Auditorium in Thayer Hall. ...