Real Life Leadership Labs
To support our mission, every cadet receive can instruction in Leadership Development. This instruction is put into practice throughout a cadet’s tenure at NYMA. As a cadet demonstrates the ability for positions of higher rank, he or she is given opportunities for leadership in the corps and the responsibility of the well-being of its members. In fact, this instruction is incorporated into what NYMA calls its Cadet Performance System. This system guides cadets in every facet of life so that they know exactly what is expected of them. Because cadets are trained to know these expectations, they are able to achieve daily successes. They know there is a daily path they can choose to take. They know what to wear as they walk that path, how to behave, and what responsibilities they have. This knowledge and its proper execution puts them on the right track. This is very different from other private schools or public schools where expectations are not clearly delineated.
Cadets are permitted to wear emblems of distinction on their uniforms in recognition of superior achievement in scholastic, military, and athletic endeavors. Most importantly, NYMA truly has a real life leadership lab; it is in applying the lessons learned in class to daily cadet life that the cadets truly put into practice what they have been taught.
Doing the Right Thing
NYMA knows that Character and Leadership go hand in hand. Therefore, we created our Character Development Program; a unique curriculum designed to create leaders of character in support of NYMA’s mission statement: “To develop all cadets in mind, body, and character to prepare them for further education and to be effective leaders and responsible citizens of the world.” As a result of this unique curriculum, we carefully integrate character lessons and put these lessons to good use in the classroom, in the barracks, and on the parade and playing fields. We do so to ensure that the fundamentals of our program span each pillar and are embedded in the mind and life of each cadet. Character especially underpins the execution of our other three pillars: Academics, Athletics, and Leadership. We can proudly say our four-pillared mission is successful because of the many cadets of character we develop daily.
NYMA Cadet Honor Code
A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.
Each year, cadets take an honor test and sign an oath indicating their intention to uphold this code. Throughout the year, the tenets of the honor code are emphasized during morals and ethics classes.
NYMA Cadet Creed
I am a New York Military Academy Cadet.
I will always conduct myself to bring credit to
my Family, Country, Academy, and the Corps of Cadets.
I am loyal and patriotic. I am the future of my country.
I do not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do,
and I will always be accountable for my actions and deeds.
I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism.
I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.
I will seek the mantle of leadership and stand prepared to “Do what’s right”
in upholding the way of life for a New York Military Academy Cadet.
May God grant me the strength to always live by this creed.