Press Releases

Washington, DC—April 27, 2021….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, led a bipartisan congressional delegation to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to get a firsthand look at cadets training, the curriculum, and to discuss the ongoing work to prepare these young men and women to command our Army. Members observed rigorous training exercises, learned about leadership development, joined cadets in the classroom, and examined how defense policy and appropriations work impact military readiness.

Rep. Steve Womack said, “If you want to be inspired, visit West Point. This leadership institution prepares our brightest young men and women to lead, fight, and win—and we saw that firsthand. This trip allowed members to see the rigors of academy life and bring new perspective to how defense appropriations and policy work impact the capabilities of our future defenders. I thank Superintendent Lt. General Williams and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their time and focus on supporting our military.” 

Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), Lieutenant General Darryl Williams, said, “We were honored to highlight the rigorous training of our cadets to the recent congressional delegation led by Congressman Steve Womack. We are dedicated to commissioning leaders of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, and County for our Army. Working closely with our congressional partners allows us to continue affording an incredible developmental experience for the nation’s most talented young men and women.” 

Rep. Ken Calvert, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, said, “Our visit to West Point was a tremendous opportunity to get a first-hand look at one of America’s proudest educational institutions. The robust academic curriculum and overall training our cadets receive is truly impressive. It’s clear that the leaders of tomorrow receive an incredible education and preparation to make a significant contribution to our nation by attending West Point.”

Rep. Mike Rogers, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, said, “I appreciate Congressman Womack for bringing our bipartisan group to West Point.  Seeing the cadets assured me that the leaders at West Point are superbly training the next generation of leaders our country needs to defeat our enemies and promote democracy around the world.  I want to thank West Point for their hospitality and the cadets for their service to our nation.” 

Rep. Henry Cuellar said, “I had the distinct honor and privilege to visit West Point Military Academy, an unparalleled institution committed to educating students who want to serve our country. The young men and women at West Point, and at our other military academics, deserve all the respect and resources from Congress. As a senior member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to support these bright cadets so they can successfully become our next generation of leaders. I would like to thank Congressman Womack for hosting this visit.”

Rep. John Rutherford said, “West Point has been training the next generation of military leaders for over 200 years. I'm grateful to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for welcoming our bipartisan coalition to their campus and showing us how our young men and women are preparing to lead America’s soldiers. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I take seriously our obligation to ensure all of America’s service academies, including West Point, are fully funded and operating as efficiently as possible. Our national security and the free world depend on it.”

Rep. Stephanie Bice said, “Touring the West Point Military Academy was an eye-opening experience. These young cadets receive the best physical, mental and leadership training to ensure they are prepared to become officers in the world’s most powerful military. I was so inspired by their unwavering dedication to both themselves and their country, committing each day to service and excellence. I can only guess the sacrifices that each cadet has made to attend USMA, but the work they will do is as important as ever to the security of our nation. I’m grateful to Congressman Womack for arranging our tour.”

The delegation observed a range of training exercises, including survival swimming instruction, the Indoor Obstacle Course Test (IOCT), boxing, Sandhurst obstacle course, and more. They joined cadets in the classroom, where they led discussions on military leadership, politics, and international relations. Throughout the day, they met with Superintendent of USMA, Lieutenant General Darryl Williams, and Army leadership for meetings, as well as with cadets from their districts and across the nation. Members also toured Camp Buckner and Camp Natural Bridge, which is where cadets undergo critical training and military exercises. West Point leaders briefed the representatives on plans to upgrade both camps in order to support expanded training capabilities and capacity. Additionally, they visited the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS), an on-campus preparatory school. The institution accepts soldiers and other students from diverse backgrounds and helps them meet and exceed rigorous admissions standards.

The trip also heavily focused on House Appropriations and defense policy work. Members discussed the importance of prioritizing investment in military readiness and providing stable defense funding, properly equipping our armed forces, and enhancing resources for military training, maintenance, and base operations.

Insights from the visit will be used to inform defense policy and strengthen military academy institutional capabilities to make the U.S. safer and stronger. Attendees included Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-42), Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-3), Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Rep. John Rutherford (FL-4), and Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK-5).

Congressional delegation with USMA Superintendent Lieutenant General Darryl Williams

Members with Cadet Sydney Cassalia and Cadet Matthew Bassette after they completed the Indoor Obstacle Course Test (IOCT), a grueling full-body physical fitness evaluation. Initiated in 1944 during WWII, the IOCT was created through lessons learned during the war as a comprehensive measurement of a cadet's physical ability.

Representatives observed survival swim instruction, where cadets swim in uniform and boots, while holding tactical gear. It physically tests them, and they also practice fear management and breath control. It’s about preparing them for a life-or-death scenario.

Boxing is a mandatory part of the curriculum. Cadets are taught offensive and defensive skills of amateur boxing. They’re trained in stances, movement, and punches to expose them to defense techniques and prepare them for physical threats.

Members watched as USMA Black and USMA Gold teams competed against each other in a Sandhurst Crucible rematch event. The obstacle course tests military mobility and tactics. Earlier this month, Black won, but Gold took the rematch.

Academics are a major component of USMA’s mission of training and shaping a strong military. Every member joined cadets in the classroom for lessons on a range of topics, including military leadership, politics, and international relations.

The West Point Glee Club is one of USMA’s most visible cadet organizations. They perform traditional and ceremonial duties and represent West Point and the U.S. Army at official events.

Rep. Womack has lunch with Third District cadets, CDT Curtis Josenberger ’24, CDT Rebecca Boushelle ’22, CDT Tyler Moran ’23, and CDT Samuel Shaw ’22. Members each sat down with cadets from their districts.

Throughout the visit, representatives spoke with cadets as they traveled around campus. 

Members received briefings on Army and USMA priorities. They analyzed a range of topics, including strategies for enhancing readiness and capabilities, as well as infrastructure and facility rehabilitation plans for Camp Buckner and Camp Natural Bridge training areas.

Attending West Point is not easy, but students are determined no matter the challenge. Members visited USMAPS, an on-campus preparatory school. It accepts soldiers and other students from diverse backgrounds and helps them meet and exceed rigorous admissions standards.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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