West Point cadet from Virginia breaks ground as 1st captain

WEST POINT, N.Y. — An African-American woman will take the top position in West Point’s cadet chain of command for the first time in the academy’s history.

The U.S. Military Academy announced Thursday that Cadet Simone Askew of Fairfax, Virginia, has been selected first captain of the Corps of Cadets for the upcoming academic year.

Askew, who is in the Class of 2018, will be responsible for the overall performance of the roughly 4,400 cadets at West Point. She also will act as a liaison between the corps and the administration when she assumes her duties on Aug. 13.

West Point officials say Askew exemplifies the academy’s values of duty, honor and country.

In Other News

As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust

VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.

Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs

Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Load More