Some of the things that I have learned through our own personal
experiences and those of others is that getting in trouble at the
Academy for misbehavior, lying, cheating, stealing or through
academics can happen to any of our cadets. They can and do make
mistakes. It happens. Some things we have learned from our own
experience, and the (sometimes unfortunate) experiences of others are
as follows:
Lying will not be condoned. Not even in jest. This includes
misrepresenting yourself as something that you are not, including but
not limited to fake ID's, ribbons not authorized being worn, or
wearing rank not authorized away from the Academy to impress others.
(If you have a fake ID, get rid of it immediately and do not ever
attempt to use it.)
Telling a lie to get out of trouble will get you kicked out of the
Academy. No discussion. Getting into trouble most of the time will
get you hours and restrict your "freedoms" for a time. What is
worse - serving hours or being thrown out of the Academy? We all
make mistakes, but lying about them is NOT acceptable.
Being inebriated will not be a valid excuse. If you lie when you are
drunk, it is still a lie and trying to use "diminished capacity" as
an excuse doesn't wash at the Academy.
Plagiarism is lying. It will not be condoned in any form. There are
programs out there that test for fragments in papers that can be
found in other papers on the internet. And they are used at West
Point.
The cadet will represent himself/herself at the Honor Board Hearing.
It is not a legal hearing where parents can hire lawyers to represent
your cadet. The cadet is fully responsible for his/her defense. The
JAG office can offer advice only, but the Honor Board Hearing is
cadet run.
Officers have control at the Academy - total control. They can
determine your cadet's success or failure at West Point. Cadets
CANNOT take lightly any advice or criticism from them. If there are
problems, cadets need to address them immediately. They won't go
away if ignored.
Academics are difficult, but cadets are not admitted to the Academy
with substandard credentials. If the cadet wants to succeed, there
is PLENTY of help out there. The P's (professors) will spend the
time needed. The cadet just has to ask. Not asking for help is NOT
an option if you want to remain at the Academy.
Cadets represent the Academy and our Country even when they are NOT
at the Academy. They are ALWAYS a cadet. Being on leave does not
mean you are no longer responsible. All rules still apply.
Cadets should get to know some of their Professors. Some of them are
great folks. They will help your cadet when he/she needs help. They
will be there to talk to when/if he/she just needs to talk.
The cadets also should be aware that how they represent themselves to
their fellow cadets may help them or hurt them if the time comes that
they should need their support. The cadet who develops a reputation
for truthfulness will have many cadets standing up for him/her.
Above all else, do not ever put another cadet in a position of having
to lie for you, such as, do not expect your roommate to cover for you
while you leave the Post after hours without permission (never mind
the reason).
To that end, do not be the cadet who does not know anyone who can
personally vouch for him/her, because in times of trouble, parents
can do little to help. Having other cadets who know where you were
and what you were doing often makes the difference in the outcome of
an Honor Board Hearing.
Cadets are considered adults - age is not the determining factor.
Parents cannot get cadets out of trouble. Cadets are responsible for
EVERYTHING that they do. If they do get into trouble, they are the
ones to receive the repercussions.
The point is that this is not a civilian college. This is a military
institution which trains and educates future officers. Different
standards apply and they should.
And parents, you should know that there is support for you when
things go wrong. The Parent-Forum moderators can help or they can
guide you to someone who can.
