West Point, the Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy train young Americans in the business of war. In the process, they turn out many men and women superbly prepared for the war of business.
Indeed, America's
In the course of their military training, cadets and midshipmen absorb uncompromising lessons in honor, teamwork, and discipline. Later, these lessons help many of them lead businesses toward successful ends. This training cannot be duplicated at most civilian universities or MBA programs.
First and foremost, America's military academies teach their charges how to be a leader-how to take command, execute orders, and make sure that they're carried out. "That's a constant," says Robert Herres, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and retired CEO of USAA, a $60 billion insurance company. "You were never outside the environment in which leadership mattered. We marched to class and we marched to every single meal, constantly in the presence of someone exhibiting leadership."