Four Pillars of the Center for Civil-Military Operations Four Pillars of the Center for Civil-Military Operations Breadcrumb research west point werx center for the study of civil military operations four pillars Four Pillars of Excellence: Preparing Future Leaders for Complex ChallengesIf you aspire to lead in a world where military and civilian efforts intersect, West Point offers unparalleled opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences that set you apart. Through these Four Pillars - Education, Research, Engagement, and Service - you’ll graduate prepared to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time. Pillar One: Syllabus Integration - Learning Beyond the TextbookThe world you will lead in is dynamic and complex. Fragile and conflict-affected regions will continue to demand U.S. and international attention, and future military leaders must be prepared to operate effectively in these environments. At West Point, we integrate Civil-Military Operations (CMO) education directly into the classroom experience to ensure cadets develop the skills to design and implement comprehensive solutions alongside U.S. and international partners.Our flagship course, EV483: Colloquium on Civil-Military Operations, builds cultural awareness and global literacy - key components of USMA’s Cultural Perspective Program. Through collaboration across departments, we weave CMO concepts into diverse academic disciplines, giving cadets a holistic understanding of how military and civilian efforts intersect to achieve mission success. Pillar 2: Scholars and Scholarship – Research That Shapes the FutureAt West Point, learning doesn’t stop at theory. It drives real-world impact. Through faculty mentorship and partnerships with leading organizations, cadets engage in cutting-edge research that influences policy and practice. From honors theses to presentations at national and international conferences, our scholars tackle the toughest global challenges.Cadets often see their work applied in the field - informing policymakers, shaping doctrine, and supporting soldiers worldwide. Opportunities for grants, fellowships, and collaborative projects connect cadets to a network of thought leaders, ensuring they graduate as innovators ready to lead. Pillar 3: Symposia and Sharing – Engaging with Global ExpertsLeadership means listening, learning, and contributing. West Point hosts and sponsors national and international conferences where cadets interact with military professionals, civilian experts, and academic scholars. These forums explore critical questions - such as best practices in civil-military cooperation and the role of technology in modern operations.Cadets return from these experiences with fresh insights and practical solutions, ready to apply them in the classroom and beyond. These events are more than discussions - they are incubators for ideas that shape the future of military leadership. Contact Us United States Military AcademyMail and Distribution CenterATTN: MADN-GEN646 Swift RoadWest Point, NY 10996-1905Phone: (845) 938-4869 Contact the center Collaborate with Us The Office of Research helps coordinate West Point’s research efforts with external entities. Those interested in conducting research with West Point can email the Associate Dean for Research. Connect with the Office of Research