The First African American Woman to Lead the Corps of Cadets at West Point

Simone Askew of Fairfax, Virginia, was named First Captain of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for the 2017-18 academic year. This is the highest rank in the cadet chain of command. Askew is the first African American woman to hold this position since the academy’s founding in 1802.

Askew is majoring in international history. She also is a member of the academy’s crew team. She scored the highest of any woman cadet in the Class of 2018 during combat field training.

Brigadier General Steven W. Gilland, commander of the Corps of Cadets, stated that Askew “truly exemplifies our values of Duty, Honor, Country. Her selection is the direct result of her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Corps.”

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1 COMMENT

  1. How to go girl, (or Captain). Great job. I was sent to the USMA MP’s after Vietnam in 1968, So as you can see I know what it means. Keep up the good work. Go to Jump School and Ranger training if you haven’t been yet. I was there for four academic years.
    Good luck.
    William B. Singerhoff, CW2 (Ret), USArmy

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