Duty, Honor, Country: A History of West Point

"Duty, Honor, Country: A History of West Point" Paperback – January 27, 2000 by Stephen E. Ambrose (Author) is truly illuminating, on the inner workings of the US Military Academy at West Point NY. The author takes great pains to explain that cadets are constantly under the microscope the entire four years they are there- that is if they make it. One former graduate stated that during very first part of freshman year or plebe year, all cadets were placed in very large classroom and told to look at the cadet to the left or right of them and then visualize them not being there at graduation in four years’ time. IAW this old grad- no truer words spoken. Mr. Ambrose’s work highlights why this is in fact the case. Furthermore, it is true and a good preparation for active US Army schools such as Ranger School, Airborne School, etc… were people wash out many reasons from illness and injury, bad luck, upsetting wrong instructor(s), to simply not mentally tough enough!Former graduates spoken with, state that academics in addition to all the numerous things cadets must do in addition to academics- such as mandatory sports, parade drill, attending lectures, mandatory attendance at home football games, etc…. is simply like breathing through a “fire hose” all the time! As Mr. Ambrose points out, this institution of higher learning is one of the best in teaching “social sciences!”On the downside, speaking former graduates, Mr. Ambrose does not really address that this Academy is also utilized to promote political and social agendas- such as “first female corps of cadets commander,” etc… which is a shame as it is upsetting apparently to cadets whom live through some radical changes whilst at the academy based on political whims and goals, which can be much different from the actual needs of the war-fighting US Army! Graduates of other programs and schools have been told that the US Military is the most political entity in the US. This could go back to most cadets having to obtain a nomination to attend from their home States Senator or Congressman. Then once commissioned most all promotion lists are vetted, supposedly by the US Congress, unlike- via internet sources- other Federal Agencies until the Senior Executive level and beyond.Could not this particular type of system, of military personnel at the officer level, and Military Academy graduates in particular, being nominated by a political figure, and then promoted or not IAW congressional scrutiny to some certain degree, lend itself to favoritism and jade a whole lot of issues? Some issues that could be jaded could be for example, weapons/ equipment procurement to promoting other “political” interests/agendas within the US Military, rather than those in the best interest of the US Military and the Nation, given the mission of the US military is to defeat decisively and quickly- if allowed- the enemies of the United States?Perhaps a better system, would be, in keeping with State representation, an open application process ala most Universities, and simply the best candidates determined by the academies admissions board, or other non-partisan entity, per seats/ slots available allocated each state, make the determination on cadet admissions? Would this not to some degree negate any potential for “political” favoritism down the road, if the officer promotion system were changed to the same supposed Federal Service standard, whereby there is supposedly no or very little “political” oversight until say the General Officer level?Not, potentially, admitting the best and brightest, with the right potential skill sets, to US Military Academies, regardless of race, color, sex, creed or religion, family/parental social standing/prominence, academy/military ties- one could argue- is very potentially not in the best interests of the Unites States as a whole, and wish Mr. Ambrose would have addressed in great detail as well as the further possible post-graduation ramifications. Such as, should a cadet, then officer, feel any special “obligation” at all to a specific US Congressman or Senator, whom may still be in office when that graduate is a full Colonel or General/Flag officer 20 (+/-) years later? Would have been great if such an illustrious, brilliant and renowned author such as Mr. Ambrose would have addressed????Anyway, this book as well as others should be read by all potential High School students, or US Military soldiers, contemplating applying and going through the grueling admissions process to attend the United States Military Academy! Once again Mr. Ambrose proves his brilliance, with this book.

A good history of the military academy from its inception to the mid-1960's.An early work by Dr. Ambrose, who himself said he improved as a writer with each book he wrote, not as dynamic as Band of Brothers, but still very readable. As a fan of his books, it was interesting to read an early work of his, comparing it to what he would write and the direction his writing took later on. I only gave him four stars because he writes here more as a college professor than the popular historian he later became, but still readable and enjoyable.I bought this book because of a writing project of my own which needed insight into the academy and especially the daily life of cadets prior to the Mexican War. I knew what I would probably find from Dr. Ambrose and was not disappointed. I found his book very thorough in its scope, for that particular period I was researching and for others, and provided plenty of useful information.It was interesting to read references in particular to General Maxwell Taylor, a post-World War II academy superintendent, knowing in later works, particularly Band of Brothers, Dr. Ambrose would have much more to say about the general's personality and leadership, sometimes in the negative, compared to the brief references in this work. Other great future military leaders also served as superintendent, including Robert E. Lee and Douglas MacArthur. Their lasting influences on the academy and Corps of Cadets is detailed in this book as well.Recurring themes are the struggles for or against the academy in Congress, the press and the American public. Dr. Ambrose also details the infighting among the faculty members, the Academic Board and the Board of Supervisors which threatened, hampered, or enhanced the school's existence.Dr. Ambrose includes interesting tidbits about the actions and antics of other future famous men who attended the academy, including many Union and Confederate generals, like Longstreet and Grant, and even future men of the arts, like artist James Whistler and Edgar Allen Poe. A fascinating chapter is about the academy's emergence into 20th Century collegiate athletics, primarily through football, and ancedotes about some outstanding athletes of the past like MacArthur (baseball), Patton (track and field), Eisenhower (football), as well as the legendary Army football teams of the mid to late 1940's.

After reading this history of West Point I have a deeper understanding and reverence for this institution and it’s contribution to our country

As MacArthur so eloquently said at his last address to the Academy “Duty, Honor, Country.” I love reading any of Mr. Ambroses’ work. Honest and insightful. I wish that we could have a follow-up from 1965 to present. A tremendous change since 1965. A larger cadet corps, Desert Storm, 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan. Changes upon changes. I fervently hope some reputable historian will pick up the torch.

Ambrose's history of West Point is probably the best I've read. He tends to split his organization into both superintendent's years and major historical accounts. The downside of this is that there's some overlapping chronology. The thing I was most critical about was the abrupt ending (followed by a droning letter on the 40 years since Ambrose wrote the book). I'm certain there's history enough of the Academy to write a book many times this size, but it's a good overview. Overall well worth it, and likely only needing a day to read.

I bought two as gifts for my father (proud grandpa) and nephew who will be attending West Point in August. Well received.

I am the proud father of a West Point graduate. I know the experience has only made him a better person and given him the tools to create the life he desires. I have had the honor of standing on those grounds that were walked on by Patton, MacArthur, and so many more. The Academy is awe inspiring.

An informative, engaging history of the well-respected institution.