The day before I headed to Camp Buckner for Cadet Field Training (CFT), an unexpected email landed in my inbox: a last-minute opportunity to join the "Writing Matters" Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) in Washington, D.C. “Writing Matters” was an academic development opportunity sponsored by West Point’s Stokes Fellows Program—a specialized program designed to give cadets advanced experience in writing during their time at the academy. A month and a half later, three other cadets and I packed ourselves into a rental car to go speak with some of the best writers in the Army.
Unsure of what I had gotten myself into, the unfamiliar felt strangely familiar—like stumbling through the dark in CFT with NVGs. I was uncertain whether I'd emerge successful or end up knee-deep in a swamp. This time, instead of learning about ambushes or tactical movements, I was learning how the Army wages war with one of its more subtle, unexpected weapons: words. Over the next two weeks, I learned that professional writing is not just a bureaucratic task, but essential for military leadership and mission success. A leader must be as proficient in written communication as they are in tactical execution, as effective communication goes beyond mere instruction, forming the backbone of operational success for the Army.
In fairness to my other training as a cadet, professional communication is already a central part of field training. For instance, CFT demanded I lead under communicative pressure, ensuring every word mattered- whether briefing a team before a patrol or assigning sectors of fire during a mission. Therefore, my priorities were focused on my technical and tactical skills and the verbal communication required to achieve success in a field environment, rather than becoming a stronger writer. Time spent meticulously crafting an email or memo felt like time diverted from more ‘tangible’ military skills like marksmanship or tactical manoeuvres.
Writing seemed like an afterthought- relegated to after-action reviews or academic essays. However, my perspective was about to change. During my AIAD, I had the opportunity to speak with senior officers and government leaders who utilize professional writing skills daily. Yet, as a cadet, it can be challenging to understand how professional writing is intertwined with successful leadership, since much of our writing is for academic purposes. However, a day spent at the Pentagon talking with two West Point graduates whose work is centered on professional writing provided a valuable perspective that helped me connect the two aspects. They shared their experiences as cadets.
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