West Point Drops ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ From Mission Statement 

As the American military struggles to attract recruits and loses its direction under the Biden administration, West Point, the United States Military Academy, has fundamentally altered its storied mission statement. The revered and time-honored phrase “Duty, Honor, Country” has been replaced with “Army Values.”  

West Point Superintendent Army Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland announced the change on Monday in an open letter. He said the new wording was intended to more closely align the Academy with the “broader Army values,” integrating concepts such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integrity and personal courage.

OUTRAGEOUS! West Point Removes ‘Duty, Honor, Country‘ from Its Mission Statement https://t.co/kCWm5JiOTL via @BreitbartNews

— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) March 13, 2024

Critics argue that replacing the specific, time-tested values of “Duty, Honor, Country” with the more general “Army Values” dilutes West Point’s unique identity and tradition, potentially undermining the moral and ethical framework guiding cadets for generations.

Likely anticipating the coming backlash, Gilland preemptively defended the change in his letter. He said, “Duty, Honor, Country is foundational to the United States Military Academy’s culture and will always remain our motto.” He pointed out that the Academy’s mission statement has evolved nine times in the past century, indicating that change, per se, is not unprecedented. 

The hollowing of our military is progressing at breakneck speed. West Point is removing “Duty, Honor, Country” from its motto. Would you send your sons and daughters to West Point now? pic.twitter.com/je3OqNJ5ao

— @amuse (@amuse) March 13, 2024

Nonetheless, the timing of this modification has not been well taken by much of the military community. Coming at a moment when the military faces significant recruitment challenges, some question the wisdom of altering a fundamentally inspiring aspect of the Academy’s identity. Critics argue that the traditional values of duty, honor, and country possess a timeless appeal that resonates deeply with potential recruits, offering a sense of purpose and commitment that transcends everyday experience.

Furthermore, there is concern about the broader implications of this change for the culture and ethos of West Point and, by extension, the U.S. Army. The values of duty, honor, and country have long been seen as a guiding triad that instills a sense of service and sacrifice in cadets, preparing them for the immense responsibilities of military leadership. Critics contend that diluting these core values could erode the moral clarity and dedication required of military officers, particularly in times of crisis.

The debate extends beyond the gates of West Point. It touches on broader questions about tradition, modernization and the values that should guide future leaders. It also resonates with ongoing discussions about the military’s role and direction in an increasingly complex and changing world.

As the conversation unfolds, it reminds us of the enduring importance of core values in shaping the character and capabilities of those who serve.