By Erika Norton, WPAOG Senior Multimedia Journalist
The National Conference on Ethics in America (NCEA), hosted by the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at West Point, was held in Eisenhower Hall on November 13-14. The theme this year was “Building Ethical Teams and Winning Cultures.”
A generous endowment from the West Point Class of 1970 (“Serve with Integrity”) supports this annual event, where over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and faculty from over 77 domestic and international institutions engage in meaningful discussions on ethical leadership and decision-making. Participants examined real-world ethical challenges and dilemmas faced in their respective professions, from military service to public policy and beyond.
Through interactive sessions, the conference encourages the development of moral judgment and practical wisdom, essential qualities for leaders of character.
Notable speakers included 81st Commandant of Cadets BG RJ Garcia ‘96, GEN (R) David Perkins ’80, Dr. Sam Hunter, Dr. Suzanne Bell, Sammy Sullivan ’20, Chandler Smith ’15, John Fernandez ’01, CPT Justin Karim ’20, Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King, John Pfeifer, Janet Keech, Mr. Casey Mock, LTG (R) Eric Wesley ’86, COL James Yastrzemsky ’97, and keynote speaker GEN (R) Bob Brown ’81.
During a Command Sergeant Major panel, CSM LeVares Jackson (1st Cav) shared with attendees the importance of the Warrior Ethos when building a “Team of Teams.”
“In our division, we look at it like this,” Jackson said. “You have to be READY. R—have Respect. Everybody will be given respect, and you will receive respect. E—be an Expert in everything that you do. Be an expert in your job. Don’t worry about somebody else’s job. Be an expert in your job. A—be an Athlete. We talk about being a trifecta, you know, understanding that you have to be mentally, physically and spiritually tough…D—Be Disciplined in everything you do, from time to get up in the morning to the time you go to bed…And Y—You matter, and your soldiers matter to you, your formation and to the larger picture of the Army.”
Attendees also participated in an interactive “Leaders Challenge” session where small groups discussed the impacts of ethics on real-world decision-making situations, using examples from military law. West Point Association of Graduates Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA) recipients COL (R) Frederick C. Lough Jr. ’70 and Kathleen S. Hildreth ’83 participated in the discussion with cadets and students, sharing their leadership experiences from their careers.
“Building Ethical Teams and Winning Cultures” is a lived experience for members of the Long Gray Line as they execute their services to the country post graduation. Civilians and future Army professionals benefitted from conversations exploring how trust, purpose and integrity creates strong and effective teams across all domains.
