No More ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ in West Point’s Mission Statement

West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland has revised the institution’s mission statement, replacing “duty, honor, country” with “Army values” to attract more enrollees.

The new statement emphasizes producing commissioned leaders committed to Army Values for lifelong service. Gilland stressed the importance of aligning the mission with essential tasks and gaining approval from senior Army leadership.

Critics, including Army veterans, view the change as concerning, emphasizing the historical significance of the original motto coined by Gen.

Douglas MacArthur. Some argue it reflects broader trends of prioritizing diversity initiatives over traditional values in military education.