Leadership Development

The goal of the West Point experience is to develop leaders of character who live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence.

Leadership Development

The goal of the West Point experience is to develop leaders of character who live honorably, lead honorably, and demonstrate excellence.

Developing Leaders of Character

The United States Military Academy at West Point develops leaders of character through a 47-month process involving 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.

West Point's culture of character is best exemplified by the cadet honor code.

The academy's focus on leadership development ensures its graduates thrive in complex environments and are prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation.

"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 Statement

"West Point graduates may be gifted thinkers, excellent tacticians, and physically fit athletes, but only if they also demonstrate strong character, will they earn and maintain the trust of the American people and the soldiers they lead as while serving as stewards of the Army profession."

- LTG Steven Gilland, 61st USMA Superintendent

Character Development

Developing leaders of character is a shared responsibility. All staff, faculty, and upper-class cadets act as role models and focus on integrating character development into every interaction. Each USMA department, directorate, and center is responsible for character development. The Simon Center for Professional Military Ethic (SCPME) provides specific expertise for character development.