The Academy identifies programs and projects that have the potential to contribute to the overall excellence of the West Point experience. These programs and projects are jointly reviewed by the Superintendent and the Association of Graduates to determine if they are appropriate for private support. Once the needs list is jointly approved, the AOG Development Office seeks donors to fund those needs.
DEFINITIONS
Core Programs
Those programs required to earn a bachelor of science degree from West Point and a commission in the U.S. Army. These include:
A rigorous academic program that has the appropriate accreditation and authority to award a bachelor of science degree.
Military training as required for commissioning. This includes a physical development program preparing graduates to qualify for commissioning in the Army and to train soldiers in their commands to be fit to fight.
Moral-ethical training fundamental to character development. Cadets assimilate the two bedrock programs of "The Honor Code and System" and "Respect for Others" and thus provide an essential standard for the Army.
"Margin of Excellence" Programs
Programs and projects beyond the core that:
Allow USMA to remain competitive with the tier one colleges and universities in attracting cadet candidates with the greatest potential for development as officers.
Provide developmental opportunities beyond the required baseline (academic, military, physical, and moral-ethical) that allow fulfillment of each cadet's potential for achievement.
Sources of Support for USMA
Taxpayer Dollars (appropriated funds) primarily support "core programs."
Business Revenues (non-appropriated funds) primarily support short- and long-term "margin of excellence" needs.
Gifts and Donations support only "margin of excellence" projects and programs.
DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN CORE AND MARGIN OF EXCELLENCE
A program or project required for earning an accredited bachelor's degree or for commissioning is a "core" program. A "margin of excellence" program or project is beyond the core-but provides individuals with educational opportunities designed to help them reach their fullest potential. In the past, to be sure, some "margin of excellence" programs were funded by taxpayer dollars. However, given the current climate of decreased defense spending, it is highly probable that Congress and the Army leadership will only provide taxpayer dollars for "core" programs.
The Current Climate
With the downsizing of the defense establishment, there is little doubt that taxpayer dollars in support of West Point will be remain fixed or perhaps even be reduced. USMA must continue to find efficiencies of operation to provide the "core" elements of the West Point experience with less government funding. This downsizing will adversely affect "margin of excellence" programs in that taxpayer dollars will go only to "core" programs.
Long-Term Strategy
A two-pronged long-term strategy is necessary to ensure that West Point can continue to attract quality candidates and develop them to their full potential.
Sufficient tax-payer dollars for core programs are necessary to sustain those programs essential to a bachelor's degree and a commission. Academy and AOG leadership must be proactive at the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, and even Congressional levels to ensure adequate funding for core programs.
Gifts and donations from alumni, corporations, foundations, friends of West Point and patriotic citizens are critical to maintaining USMA's "margin of excellence." These programs depend on private funding for their continued existence. Without the generous support of alumni, corporations, foundations, and other friends of West Point, the "margin of excellence" will be endangered. This will have a negative impact on USMA's ability to attract and develop our nation's best and brightest, thus endangering the Academy's reputation and its very existence.