CHAPTER 4 – HONOR EDUCATION

401. General

402. Initial Focus

403. Broader Context

404. Education Guides

401. GENERAL. Honor Education is a critical aspect of the Honor System. The Cadet Honor Code is oriented toward the development of leaders of character, a developmental process fostered by the education program. The Honor Education Program is a continuous, progressive four year program. During the academic year, Company Honor Education Teams (the company honor representatives and company commander, assisted by the tactical officer and other members of the staff and faculty), under the direction of the Honor Education Officer and the Vice Chairperson for Education, administer formal instruction designed to contribute to developing the moral-ethical character of each cadet in the company.

402. INITIAL FOCUS. Initially, the program focuses on providing cadets with an understanding of the Honor Code and System so that they may develop within the West Point environment. New Cadets are taught about the Honor Code's four tenets and specific implications in daily cadet life, as well as the positive ideals that constitute the Spirit of the Code. The program introduces the Honor System that supports the Honor Code and the procedures that deal with suspected honor violations. A thorough understanding of the West Point honor environment provides the foundation for understanding of and appreciation for the professional Army ethic and the Spirit of the Code.

403. BROADER CONTEXT. Once Cadets understand and recognize that the Cadet Honor Code is the minimum standard of cadet ethical behavior, the honor education program shifts its focus to the broader context of the military profession. This process seeks to imbue in cadets a greater awareness and appreciation for the broader set of values and personal beliefs that will guide their future actions as cadets and as leaders for the nation. Instruction exposes cadets to the realities of Army leadership and moral-ethical dilemmas that they may encounter in military service. The program establishes in cadets the necessary understanding of ethics to successfully apply moral reasoning to determine "what is right." This program encourages each cadet to embrace the Spirit of the Honor Code and values inherent in the professional military ethic. It is imperative that each cadet truly believes in the values of the Spirit of the Code in light of the conflicts he or she is certain to face as a leader.

404. EDUCATION GUIDES. The Cadet Honor Committee education pamphlets are published separately to facilitate change and flexibility within the Honor System. The Four Year Honor Education Guide, Honor Reading Packet, Cadet NCO Honor Education Guide as well as the Cadet Basic Training and Cadet Field Training Guides are updated yearly to ensure that education is reflective of the dynamic elements of the Honor System. Cadets may view copies of the education guides by connecting to the internal Honor Home Page (http://www-internal.uscc.usma.edu/honor) or contacting their Company Honor Representatives.