Superintendent's Corner

We begin the new year with a resolution that must be kept to honor the mission
of the United States Military Academy in developing leaders of character. As
the four classes return from around the globe to begin the second academic
term, West Point turns its focus toward a number of areas that all address the
sustainment and improvement of our education and training at the academy.

The new Bartlett Hall Scientific Building carved, sculpted and reset from the
former Gothic granite library of West Point is open for cadet business. That
state-of-the-art facility brings our major science programs well forward into
the 21st century with laboratory equipment and additional teaching and
research spaces that best match our rigorous curriculum. Later this year,
pending full Congressional authorization, we will begin to break ground on the
first new cadet barracks since 1972.  The new facilities will reduce the
current overcrowding in cadet barracks, and allow us to move forward with a
modern set of barracks that creates swing space in our multi-year project to
repair and renovate all the barracks at USMA.

Many of you have seen two remarkable media productions about West Point
recently: CBS Sports "Game of Honor" and the FOX "West Point Holiday Special."
Both shows have connected millions of Americans with the academy and with
their Army. Both presentations showcased our very talented cadets, staff and
faculty, from the Army football team and coaching staff to the USMA Band and
the Cadet Glee Club. The starring presence in both of these productions was
the United States Corps of Cadets. We are proud of our own professional
staff's hard work in collaborating with the production crews of both shows,
and prouder of the clearly stated messages about our mission to prepare our
cadets as future leaders of our Army for the nation.

The next few months will go very quickly for the Class of 2012. 100th Night is
around the corner. Spring Break and then a rapid movement through academics,
athletics and military development lead toward graduation at the end of May.
We will continue to provide our graduating seniors with the very best focus on
officership, character building, and a practical sense of their imminent
leadership responsibilities so they are fully ready when the day comes to
swear their Oath of Commission.

Army Strong!

LTG David Huntoon

Dec. 7, 2011 – Atlantic Council interview with Lt. Gen. Huntoon

Oct. 6, 2011 – 2011 Thayer Award Presentation to Dr. Robert M. Gates

May 21, 2011 – Class of 2011 Graduation Ceremony