Testimonials

 

“WPNP not only allowed me to build a sense of self-confidence instructing others but also sparked my interest in the usefulness of understanding the foundations of negotiating in the military. Every decision that leaders make involving another party involves one form or another of negotiating. The WPNP AIAD was my most educational 3 weeks at West Point while also interacting with the types of soldiers I may lead one day. Overall, an awesome experience” - CDT Tyler Long (WPNP fellow)

"I used to think of negotiation as a strategy to defeat my opponent. Little that I know, I was not aware of the difference between positional negotiation and principled negotiation. Now I believe negotiation is a value creation skill that is applicable to both professional and personal life. The right negotiation creates a win-win situation which everyone gains more value and a few more friends." - CDT Leang Tri

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For more information, please contact MAJ Travis Cyphers, Officer in Charge.

Meet our Cadet Fellows

Cadet Zachary Bolen

Cadet in Charge

Company and class year: B3/2023

Major: Life Science

Experience with WPNP: Towards the end of my second year, some of my classmates encouraged me to attend WPNP Cadet Workshop. After signing up and participating, I quickly realized the value in negotiation and its necessity in my development towards being an Army officer. Therefore, I reached out to the OIC and joined on the AIAD, helping to teach the same skills to active SFAB units around the country. As time moved forward, I provided assistance in follow-on club meetings and operations. I am excited to lead the way and share this wide-body of knowledge and skills of negotiation to the United States Corps of Cadets!

Why Become a Fellow: "A man is not an island." True success, understanding, and peace cannot be achieved in isolation. Rather, it is through connections and understanding that allows humanity to forge peace and advance. Negotiation is a critical tool that allows us to create unlikely relationships, reach compromises, and work towards a better outcome. I became a WPNP Fellow to acquire the skills necessary to find solutions to complex problems and form meaningful connections to those around me, despite any differences.

Desired Branch/Post: Medical Service

Cadet Jason Darnell

Company and class year: F3/2024

Major: Business Management

Experience with WPNP: I started by attending the WPNP Cadet Workshop in 2022 where I was first introduced to the WPNP. I was then selected to participate in the AIAD opportunity during the Summer of 2022. During this time, I assisted in running 3 workshops at West Point, Ft. Bragg, and in Okinawa, Japan.

Why Become a Fellow: I became a fellow because I was extremely interested in the unique problem set associated with negotiations but have since developed a passion for sharing about negotiations. Negotiations are applicable in all facets of life and there is no other topic that piques my interest the way that the WPNP does.

Desired Branch/Post: Infantry

Cadet Grant Nawoichyk

Company and class year: G3/2023

Experience with WPNP: My interest in the WPNP stemmed following MG390: Negotiation for Leaders. My instructor, MAJ Cyphers, challenged my way of thinking and the course improved my ability to approach scenarios of conflict. I have seen how the WPNP aids in the continued development of leaders across the United States Military, civilian counterparts, and allied nations.

Why Become a Fellow: I am a fellow because the WPNP allows for continued practice in the skill, the ability to represent the United States Military Academy, as well as the opportunity to build strong relationship across the force and with civilian counterparts. As a fellow, I look forward to developing, inspiring, motivating, and learning from all those involved in the process.v

Desired Branch/Post: EOD/Engineer - Ft. Drum/Ft. Bragg

Cadet Megan Potter

Company and class year: H1/2023

Major: Business Management

Experience with WPNP: Before taking the course MG390: Negotiation for Leaders, I did not know about WPNP. However, throughout the course, my instructor, MAJ Cyphers, would promote the opportunities offered through WPNP. At the end of the semester, after thoroughly enjoying and excelling in the course, I decided to continue my involvement and learning of negotiations and became a fellow. I look forward to taking advantage of all the opportunities WPNP has to offer.

Why Become a Fellow: I am a fellow because I believe negotiating is a life skill that everyone, especially military personnel, should have and continuously work to improve. In a world where the battlefield is ever changing, negotiations play a critical role to maintain peace. Being a Fellow will allow me to not only improve my skills but also help others develop their own and ensure peace can be maintained through negotiations.v

Desired Branch/Post: Field Artillery

Cadet Grace Snyder

Company and class year: D2/2023

Major: Business Management

Experience with WPNP: I heard about the project through Major Cyphers while enrolled in MG390: Negotiation for Leaders. After completing the course and discussing my interest in the subject with Major Cyphers, I was asked to become a Fellow. I am excited to be involved with the WPNP this year and for the experience it will provide. I believe the lessons I learn will help me become a better officer and leader.

Why Become a Fellow: I became a Fellow because I enjoyed the negotiations elective and wanted to expand my knowledge beyond what the curriculum taught. Becoming a WPNP fellow will allow me to share the skills I have learned with others, while also growing my own knowledge base. My interest in negotiations stems mainly from the subject's applicability and challenge. Negotiations occur everyday in normal life and knowing how to navigate these discussions effectively is extremely valuable.

Desired Branch/Post: Engineers

Cadet Jackson Blanchard

Company and class year: G1/2021

Major: Business Management

Experience with WPNP: I started with MG390: Negotiation for Leaders and quickly found a passion for the class. MAJ Cyphers talked to our class about going to an undergraduate negotiations competition at Baylor and I jumped at the opportunity to go. I had an amazing experience there and learned a ton about negotiations.

Why Become a Fellow: I am a fellow because I have a passion for negotiations. Negotiations is an incredibly fun and important skill to develop for Army officers and I believe that it is something that all cadets at West Point should experience. I want as many people as possible to experience the enjoyment of negotiations and develop those important skills for their careers.

Desired Branch/Post: Field Artillery

Cadet Sydney Frascht

Company and class year: E1/2023

Major: Applied Psychology with an Arabic Minor

Experience with WPNP: I was first introduced to WPNP when I applied for an AIAD with the club. From there, I attended the spring WPNP Cadet Workshop. After the workshop, MAJ Cyphers, CDT Jed Darnell, and I ran 3-day and 4-day versions of the spring workshop. During this AIAD, we trained active duty soldiers and officer at West Point, 3rd Special Forces Group at Ft. Bragg, and 1st Special Forces Group in Okinawa, Japan. Throughout the AIAD, CDT Darnell and I had the opportunity to teach elements of negotiation to the soldiers and officers.

Why Become a Fellow: I became a fellow because principled negotiation is an extremely valuable skill that I didn't know existed. Not only did WPNP teach me skills I can use as a future officer, but skills I can use in everyday life. Negotiations is a disciplines that spills over into all others. What I have learned from this club I can take into so many different parts of life, like relationships, politics, decision making, etc. Principled negotiation is a skill that will benefit me for the rest of my life, and I want to be able to share it with as many people as possible.

Desired Branch/Post: Field Artillery