Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Ted Cruz, alongside Representative Keith Self, have introduced the Maintaining Academy Culture and Assuring Retention of Tradition, Honor, and Unity of the Republic (MACARTHUR) Act. This legislative proposal follows a decision by the United States Military Academy at West Point to remove the phrase "Duty, Honor, Country" from its mission statement. The proposed act aims to restore this phrase.

Senator Blackburn emphasized the importance of these values in military education: “Under the leadership of President Trump, our military will return to its core mission of protecting the security of our country above all else and defending the Constitution. The United States Military Academy is responsible for teaching the future generation of servicemembers about the values of ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ as they prepare to serve our nation, and there is no reason why this phrase should have been removed from its mission statement. The MACARTHUR Act will officially restore these virtues to the mission of our nation’s oldest service academy.”

Senator Cruz expressed concern over West Point's recent changes: “For centuries, the United States Army has set the global standard for military excellence because its leaders embrace a lifetime of selfless service and embody the values of ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ West Point’s removal of these core values from its mission statement risks eroding the foundation of American military leadership. I am proud to introduce the MACARTHUR Act to restore these principles, reaffirm West Point’s mission, and emphasize the meritocracy that has shaped American military excellence for generations—ensuring our armed forces remain the most capable, disciplined, and formidable fighting force in the world.”

Representative Self highlighted his personal connection to West Point's motto: “On November 5th, 2024, President Trump overwhelmingly won a mandate to restore greatness to America. This mandate includes our military institutions which have been weakened and neutered by wokeism. During my time as a cadet at West Point and throughout my 25-year military career I was inspired by West Point's motto: 'Duty, Honor, Country.' This hallowed phrase emphasized by General Douglas MacArthur in his farewell speech to West Point in 1962 embodies dedication of service that our men and women in uniform exemplify. Congress should pass this legislation to reaffirm 'Duty Honor Country' as motto U.S Military Academy so these three words can continue inspire future generations America's warfighters.”

Additional support came from Senator Rick Scott who stated: “The days Biden administration working make armed forces woke are over it time return military most lethal fighting force world starts maintaining culture United States Military Academy guided principles duty honor country looking forward seeing legislation across finish line thank colleague Senator Ted Cruz sponsoring bill reaffirm West Points mission building nations best military leaders.” Senator Katie Britt added her voice: “Our nation’s preeminent service academies train educate empower next generation servicemembers leaders MACARTHUR Act recognizes reaffirms guiding principle Duty Honor Country ensure foundational values continue shape character cadets decades come work return Pentagon focus lethality Armed Forces proud join Senator Cruz protecting venerated legacy integrity country oldest service academy.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville criticized current administration policies stating: “Over last four years Biden administration taken military away core mission Joe Biden Kamala Harris caving woke left weakened made world less safe It time refocus core mission America remains strongest fighting force world starts new recruits academies proud join fight Senator Cruz return ideals Duty Honor Country.”

The MACARTHUR Act is co-sponsored by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Katie Britt (Ala.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), with Representative Keith Self leading companion legislation in House Representatives.

The historical context behind "Duty Honor Country" dates back 1898 gained prominence during General Douglas MacArthur’s memorable 1962 speech Corps Cadets transforming informal motto revered creed shaping identity first added official mission statement 1998 revised March 2024 removing phrase emphasizing Army Values readiness lifetime service Army Nation.