West Point. Duty. Honor. Country. A Reflection from GEN (R) Barry R. McCaffrey

An excerpt from an email sent by General (R) Barry R. McCaffrey:

Took a quick look at the issues and concerns over the update of the West Point Mission Statement. 

Less here than meets the eye. Had good frank conversation with the Superintendent LTG Steve Gilland. 

Normal West Point strategic review occurs when any new Superintendent takes office. Zero external oversight or influence on the process from the Pentagon or politicians. 

Mission statement minor change. Added commitment to Army Values. Loyalty. Duty. Respect. Selfless Service. Honor. Integrity. Personal Courage. 

Motto remains as always: “Duty. Honor. Country.”

No secret political agenda. Just a continued commitment to producing great young officers. 

————

Our new Superintendent is a splendid officer. I met him when he was a new 2/Lt in 24th ID when I was CG. 

Steve has an incredible combat record. 75th Ranger Regt. DELTA operator. Decorated for valor. CIB. Ranger. Master Jumper. Deployed multiple missions in harms way all over the world. 

His generation of leaders like us has served with great dedication. Post-911 our fighting forces suffered casualties of roughly 60,000 killed and wounded. 

Steve also already served as Commandant of Cadets. His wife is a West Point classmate. 

We should understand his enormous experience and dedication to West Point. 

————

Our total Army is still hugely professional. Tremendous training base and technology. 130,000 US troops in Europe prepared to fight the Russians. Facing the North Koreans. In small numbers in Syria. Iraq. Jordan. Israel. Saudi Arabia. Trying to help keep the peace 

We should be confident of the courage and commitment of our soldiers. They need us to back them and treasure their service. 

I’ve had 4 combat tours and stay in fairly close contact with the Service. In my judgment this is the best Army we’ve ever fielded. 

The Army’s only daunting problem is recruiting. Congress needs to raise the pay on incoming troops by 30%. 

New Army Chief of Staff Randy George understands the issues. He is a steady and determined leader. Another officer who served much of his life in combat. 

I know all of us deeply care about West Point. Hope this is helpful.