What is the United States Naval Academy Cadet Honor Code?

I'm curious about the United States Naval Academy Cadet Honor Code. How strict is it, and what kind of behaviors or actions does it cover? Do cadets face serious consequences if they break the code?

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) operates on a strict moral code, officially known as the "Honor Concept of the Brigade of Midshipmen." This code has been integral to the Academy's culture for years, emphasizing integrity, trust, and mutual respect among the Midshipmen (cadets).

The Honor Concept states, "Midshipmen are persons of integrity: They stand for that which is right. They tell the truth and ensure that the full truth is known. They do not lie. They embrace fairness in all actions. They ensure that work submitted as their own is their own, and that assistance received from any source is authorized and properly documented. They do not cheat. They respect the property of others and ensure that others are able to benefit from the use of their own property. They do not steal."

This Honor Concept essentially covers any form of dishonesty including lying, cheating, or stealing. It is a somewhat broad and flexible system where the application and interpretation are left up to the individual Midshipmen and the Honor Boards. This means it transforms as cadets mature and learn more sophisticated understandings of what it means to act with honor.

If a Midshipman violates the Honor Concept, they can face severe consequences. Firstly, there are Honor Boards made up of fellow Midshipmen who review any reported honor infractions. If they find the Midshipman guilty, this could result in punitive measures such as loss of leave or additional duties. Serious violations may even lead to expulsion from the Academy. It's also worth mentioning that maintaining and upholding this code doesn't end with graduation. It's a way of life expected in the United States Navy and Marine Corps officers corps.

However, it should be noted that the academy also emphasizes education, development, and redemption. Midshipmen who have made mistakes have the opportunity to learn from those mistakes and grow as leaders with integrity. So the aim of the Honor Concept is not merely to punish, but to foster a community of honor, respect, and integrity.