U.S. west point academy swears in first woman commandant of cadets

Jan 08, 2016 U.S. Brigadier General Diana Holland recently assumes her role as the first female commandant of cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York.

Holland, who is an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, assumed the leadership post after being honored in a packed ceremony at the academy.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity. First to be part of a winning team that demonstrates continuous excellence and contributes to our nation in such significant ways in times of peace and in conflict, second the opportunity to work with incredibly talented, young men and women such as those that you find here. They are an inspiration and serve as a constant reminder that the future of our army will be in good hands. And finally, to contribute to a purpose that is so consequential for our soldiers. Our soldiers who achieve amazing things, overcome incredibly obstacles around the world and make great sacrifices every single day. They ask for very little in return, really, only that they be well led.”

Holland’s resume also includes barrier-breaking accomplishments such as being the first female general of the U.S. Army Fort Drum & 10th Mountain Division.

At the swearing-in ceremony, West Point superintendent Lieutenant General Robert Caslen also gave a nod to other female alumni who recently made military history.

“And just this past year, three graduates, Captain Kristen Griest, Lieutenant Shaye Haver, and Major Lisa Jaster would make history as they graduated from Ranger School, while Major General Nadja West from the class of 1982 received her third star and assumed duties as the Army’s surgeon general, making her the highest ranking female in a long great line”