Breadcrumb military simon center for the professional military ethic centers-simoncenter-sidebarnav MENU Home Cadet Honor Code and Honor System Staff & Faculty Character Resources Character Development Strategy (CDS) Character Program (Gold Book) Class of 1975 Cadet Character Education Program Connecting to Character Enduring Events The Class of 1970 National Conference on Ethics in America Mission Command Conference Inspiration to Serve Past Events Prospective Staff & Faculty Contact Us William E. Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic The William E. Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic (SCPME) serves as the proponent for the Character Program which helps Cadets understand what it means to be a commissioned leader of character who achieves the West Point Leader Development System's outcomes of living honorably and leading honorably. MX400: OfficershipThe Superintendent’s Capstone Course Stewardship of Cadet Honor System The Cadet Honor Code is the foundation for developing leaders of character at West Point, guiding Cadets’ behaviors every hour of everyday from Reception Day through Graduation. The Honor Code is an ever-present condition designed to mold Cadets into officers who are genuinely trustworthy and categorically trusted. All Cadets are the primary stewards of the Code. Learn about the Cadet Honor System Stewardship of Cadet Honor System The Cadet Honor Code is the foundation for developing leaders of character at West Point, guiding Cadets’ behaviors every hour of everyday from Reception Day through Graduation. The Honor Code is an ever-present condition designed to mold Cadets into officers who are genuinely trustworthy and categorically trusted. All Cadets are the primary stewards of the Code. Learn about the Cadet Honor System Study of Officership The culminating experience of the Character Program is the Superintendent’s capstone course, MX400: Officership. With its emphasis on each officer’s duty to provide moral leadership, MX400 challenges Cadets to strive to become commissioned leaders of character who are always “good examples of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination.” Learn about the Study of Officership Study of Officership The culminating experience of the Character Program is the Superintendent’s capstone course, MX400: Officership. With its emphasis on each officer’s duty to provide moral leadership, MX400 challenges Cadets to strive to become commissioned leaders of character who are always “good examples of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination.” Learn about the Study of Officership Character Education & Rehabilitation The Cadet Character Education Program (CCEP) educates Cadets during their entire 47-month experience, providing each Cadet multiple non-academic lessons per semester. The CCEP equips Cadets with knowledge that helps them make sense of their life experiences in ways that lead to character growth. The subject matter of CCEP includes the Cadet Honor Code, the Honor System, the West Point Values, the Army Values, and personal virtues essential to Army Professionals. Learn about Character Education View Connecting to Character Videos Character Education & Rehabilitation The Cadet Character Education Program (CCEP) educates Cadets during their entire 47-month experience, providing each Cadet multiple non-academic lessons per semester. The CCEP equips Cadets with knowledge that helps them make sense of their life experiences in ways that lead to character growth. The subject matter of CCEP includes the Cadet Honor Code, the Honor System, the West Point Values, the Army Values, and personal virtues essential to Army Professionals. Learn about Character Education View Connecting to Character Videos Enduring Priorities Exercise Stewardship of the Cadet Honor System MX400 Officership Cadet Character Education Program Coach (and sometimes mentor) the Honor, Respect, and Trust Committees Character development conferences and activities National Conference on Ethics in America (NCEA) Mission Command Conference (MCC) "Inspiration to Serve” Cemetery Tour Recent Events The Simon Center for Professional Military Ethics at the United States Military Academy hosts "CivMX," an immersive program designed to provide civilians with a firsthand experience of life as a soldier. Participants undergo rigorous physical training, engage in military simulations, and learn about the ethical challenges faced by military personnel. Through this program, the center aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices and responsibilities of those who serve in the armed forces. Colonel James Yastrzemsky promoted MAJ Ian Kent to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in front of friends and family in a ceremony held on the Hudson Room Balcony at the West Point Club. This momentous occasion encapsulated the military's tradition of recognizing excellence and inspiring continued dedication. LTC (R) Dave Jones from the Simon Center for Professional Military Ethics, delivers an engaging and insightful Leadership and Ethics Academic Workshop to high school juniors as part of the Summer Leadership Experience which inspires future leaders to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. The Simon Center Faculty Development program certifies new instructors for the MX400 course through a comprehensive training curriculum that focuses on pedagogy, content expertise, and effective teaching methods. Participants undergo rigorous assessments and receive personalized feedback to enhance their teaching abilities and ensure they meet the highest standards of instruction. Upon successful completion, instructors gain the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver engaging and impactful MX400 classes. The Simon Center promotes camaraderie and physical well-being among its members by conducting morning physical training. 3rd class cadets participate in the Academy’s “Inspiration to Serve” Cemetery Tour as part of the Cadet Character Education Program (CCEP). The Simon Center for the Professional Ethic and the Character Integration Advisory Group extends their heartfelt gratitude and bid a fond farewell to LTC Tom Dull. LTC Tom Dull has been an esteemed member of the organization and has contributed significantly towards the mission of promoting professional ethics and character integration and has shown unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and dedicated service during his tenure. MAJ Ian Kent and MAJ Brian Gerardi recently celebrated their graduation from the prestigious United States Military Academy Master Teacher Program. With their exceptional dedication and expertise, they have successfully completed an intensive training curriculum designed to enhance their teaching skills and leadership abilities. Their achievement reflects their commitment to fostering excellence in education within the academic community. GEN (R) Perkins delivers comments during Cadet Mess on the 20th Anniversary of 3d Infantry Division Thunder Run into Baghdad. GEN (R) Perkins and members of 2d BDE, 3d ID, who participated in the 2003 Thunder Run to Baghdad attend the opening night social along with their families at the Thayer Hotel to kick off the United States Military Academy’s Mission Command Conference. The Simon Center along with members of the CIAG bid farewell to the MX400 Assistant Course Director MAJ Brian Martinez and his wife Lorena as they depart on the next chapter of their lives. GEN (R) David Perkins delivers the Mission Command Keynote Address on the 20th Anniversary of 3d Infantry Divisions Thunder Run into Baghdad. First Class Cadets Joseph McGuire and Erica Harper and Third Class Cadets Jack Hill and Roger Manzi presented the West Point Honor Process to a group of more than 100 cadets, students, staff, and faculty from approximately 10 senior military and service academies from across the United States at the 2023 Citadel Honor Conference. The two-day conference held on the 9th and 10th of February at the Citadels Charleston, SC campus, focused on the similarities and differences of cadet honor codes at military and civilian academic institutions that included a full or partial corps of cadets within its enrolled population. After the briefs, students and cadets from across the represented institutions formed collaborative working groups to determine best practices to incorporate and instill character and honor within their respective student bodies. The Simon Center along with members of the CIAG bid farewell to the Simon Center Executive Officer MAJ Marc Meybaum and family as they depart on the next chapter of their Army career. The panelists and attendees stand together in Eisenhower Hall at the United States Military Academy to commemorate the successful conclusion of the National Conference on Ethics in America. SMA (R) Dailey presents the Tar Bucket award during the National Conference on Ethics in America hosted by the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic. CPT Robert "Bo" Farrell receives Simon Center Character Nomination for his hard work and demonstration of selfless service to the team. GEN (R) David Perkins conducts professional development with leaders from across the United States Military Academy. During the annual McCain Conference held by the United States Naval Academy and the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, Dr. Elise Dykhuis, Dr. Yasmine Kalkstein, and Dr. Peter Meindl give a presentation on the subject of Character Development. A panel of Senior NCOs impart their knowledge on the importance of ethical behavior to attendees at the National Conference of Ethics in America discussing the challenges they have faced and the lessons they have learned. The open forum provides an opportunity for the attendees to learn from the unique experiences of these distinguished NCOs. SCPME and CIAG teammates overlook the greater Hudson Valley from the Trail of the Fallen. Congratulations to CDT Mercedez Fernandez, Company G2; CDT Jacob Lapin, Company E3; and CDT Cora Haefner, Company H4 on their selection as the respective Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awardees for their MX400 Pershing Essays. The essay panel selected the winners out of 978 essays reviewed this academic year based not only on the academic score of the essay, but the depth of reflection displayed in their writing.Each of these cadets will receive a General John J. Pershing Writing Award medallion. The Gold awardee, CDT Fernandez, will also have her name added to the plaque that has a running list of all top recipients.In their First Class year, cadets take the capstone class MX400. The class integrates cadets' experiences, training, and classes into an interdisciplinary study of Officership and the transition from being a cadet to being a commissioned officer in the Profession of Arms. Within the class, cadets are asked to complete what is known as the Pershing Essay. This year the essay prompt asked cadets to evaluate their current readiness for Officership by describing the challenges of leadership in the 21st century, assessing personal strengths that would empower them to overcome those challenges, and then reflect on areas of individual improvement as a leader and how to improve in those areas. During a combination of recognition and farewell, the Simon Center honors its members for their invaluable contributions to the Mission Command Conference while embarking on a memorable Hudson River Cruise aboard SUPE's Boat. The Simon Center along with members of the CIAG bid farewell to the MX400 Instructor MAJ Matthew Arevian and his family as they depart on the next chapter of their lives. The 79th Commandant of Cadets, Brigadier General Mark C. Quander, the 15th Dean of the Academic Board, Brigadier General Shane Reeves, and the Director of the Simon Center, Colonel James R. Yastrzemsky, present CDT Mercedez Fernandez, CDT Jacob Lapin, and CDT Cora Haefner with a General John J. Pershing Writing Award medallion. The Gold awardee, CDT Fernandez, will also have her name added to the plaque that has a running list of all top recipients. The Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic facilitated an Individual Advanced Development trip for cadets to Washington, D.C. to engage in discussions about honor and character. These trips provide a unique platform for cadets to interact with experts, community members, and practitioners who embody and promote ethical and honorable leadership. Through these conversations, the cadets gain valuable insights and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of honor and character in their future military careers. Some stops included Georgetown University, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Archives, and the National Museum of the U.S Army. The staff of the Simon Center embarked on an educational journey to the Saratoga Battlefield, where they not only delved into the historical significance of Saratoga, but also cultivated a deep sense of camaraderie. The staff ride not only enriched their historical knowledge but also solidified their professional relationships, leaving them with lasting memories and a stronger sense of teamwork. Simon Center Faculty