What did we learn from the cadets of West Point?
On October 19 and 20, Olivet Academy Amenia students visited the United States Military Academy at West Point, one of the nation’s most respected institutions for training leaders.
A campus full of history
Set along the Hudson River in New York, West Point was founded in 1802 and has been educating Army officers for more than two centuries. The campus was full of fall colors as students toured the grounds with guides who led the way. Along the tour, they heard stories about the school’s graduates, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower and generals such as Douglas MacArthur.
Duty, Honor, Country
In the chapel, students learned about the academy’s motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.” The three words guide how cadets are expected to live, study, and serve, and they stand at the center of everything the academy does.
A level of discipline beyond expectations
Students said the strictness of cadet life surprised them. Cadets follow detailed rules about daily conduct, and they wear about 20 different uniforms depending on the occasion. Every detail has its own standard to keep.
Fun fact: walking the area
Some students heard about a well-known West Point punishment called “area tours,” or “walking hours.” Cadets who are late to class without a valid reason, or who break other rules, can be assigned hours to walk on the weekend. They march back and forth in a courtyard in full dress uniform, carrying a rifle, often for several hours at a time. By comparison, consequences at Olivet are much lighter, which is one more reason to be thankful and to practice self-discipline without waiting for a strict penalty.
What we can learn
Olivet Academy exists for the Kingdom of God, yet there is wisdom in learning from a model like West Point. Its discipline, commitment, and sense of purpose are qualities that also serve students of faith.
As future leaders, we should be thankful for the opportunity to see this up close, and we should be aware of how important discipline is. It shapes character, builds trust, and prepares us to serve others well, wherever we are called.
