WEST POINT, N.Y. – Cadet Charles Phelps, son of Charles and Carrie Phelps of Woodinville, Wash., has been selected First Captain of the U.S. Military Academy’s Corps of Cadets  for the 2011-2012 academic year, which begins Aug. 14, achieving the highest position in the cadet chain of command.

As First Captain, Phelps, a Military History major, is responsible for the overall performance of the approximately 4,400 member Corps of Cadets.  He follows in the footsteps of other notable First Captains such as John J. Pershing, Douglas MacArthur and William Westmoreland.

“Cadet Charlie Phelps is one of many exceptionally strong leaders in the Class of 2012,” said Brigade Tactical Officer Col. Joseph DeAntona.

“He has been selected as the First Captain based on his demonstrated performance over the course of three years at the academy and, most recently, as commander of Cadet Field Training as well as his potential for increased responsibility. I have great confidence that he will lead and inspire the Corps of Cadets to achieve excellence.”

The First Captain, a senior who is also called the Brigade Commander, is similar to a student body president.  His duties include implementing a class agenda and acting as a liaison between the Corps and the administration.  In addition, Phelps is the top of a pyramid of cadet commanders who make up the chain-of-command for the Corps of Cadets at West Point.

He will assume his duties today, which marks the completion of Cadet Basic Training for the Class of 2015.

Phelps graduated from Culver Military Academy, Ind., in 2008 where he earned a top position as Regimental Commander.