United States Military Academy West Point - Howitzer Yearbook (West Point, NY)

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One of the essential truths about West Point is that there is a dichotomy of forces of work. Tradition and change are both clearly in evidence all about us. It is easy to see the conflicts that occasionally arise, but the men of the Corps can feel that in a deeper sense tradition and change compli- ment rather than oppose each other. Forms and techniques that our predecessors cherished have been put to the test of time. Some of them have been altered. It must be so. But the real traditions lie not in forms. They are the basic values that are ingrained in the Motto and the Honor Sys- tem and heart of each graduate of the Academy. These will never change as long as West Point continues to fulfill her mission in shaping America ' s destiny. t The United States Military Academy has among its oldest traditions a reputation for being at the forefront of American education. This is vital in a world where a rapidly expanding technology finds many of its newest and most important applications in the military. Maintaining its leading position is necessary to provide officers with the broad educational background that the modern Army re- quires. This necessitates change — in curriculum, in facili- ties, and in techniques. But the basic character traits of the good officer have not changed. For instilling such qualities as integrity, self-discipline, devotion to duty, and love of country, traditions are a source of guidance and strength. Change and Tradition — the two do not conflict. They go hand in hand. The strength of the Academy and its success will always depend on both. They are inseparable.