Most Americans who take note of the United States Armed Forces has heard of West Point. The four-year academic establishment was based in 1802 and is the place many future members of the Armed Forces go to start their journeys in service. West Point’s mission is “to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U. S. Army.”
One of the those that performs an necessary function in that mission is Dr. Col. Nicholas Gist, who works because the Head of the Physical Education Department at West Point. One title he holds with honor is “Master of the Sword.” He might not have predicted what he was going to be doing sooner or later when he was rising up in Alpine, CA, however he does credit score how he was raised as a giant purpose why he’s the place he’s right this moment.
“I think a lot of the journey I’ve been on, if not all of it, was a product of how I grew up,” Gist stated. “From my earliest memories, my parents were always people that enjoyed being outdoors.”
His father was a farrier, and he served within the United States Navy for seven years, however Gist didn’t see a lot of that a part of his father’s life. His mom got here from a farming household as properly. Combine these two backgrounds, and you’ve got a toddler that was accustomed to being exterior early and sometimes.
“I grew up playing outside and I mean that in the greatest sense of ‘go outside, explore your environment, play games, throw rocks, sword fight with sticks, and that definitely involved into playing sports.’”
Gist performed baseball, soccer, and received into newbie wrestling as his sports activities of selection. Those would grow to be the first focus of his childhood. His youthful brother, Eric, grew up the identical approach. He credited coaches comparable to Bruce Wiseman had been the fathers of different youngsters on his groups, and he thought of them prolonged household.
“In the Army, we call them our tribes. Those were our tribes.”
Fast ahead to highschool commencement and Gist discovered himself at West Point as a cadet himself. As quickly as he stepped foot on campus, he might inform that extra can be anticipated of him, however he felt assured that he might dwell as much as the lofty requirements.
“West Point had very high expectations in terms of developing leaders of character,” he defined. He additionally noticed that turning into that chief was as a lot a bodily requirement as it’s a psychological one.
“You realize very early on the importance of being physically fit, the physicality of the profession you’re in as a future soldier.”
One have a look at Gist’s accomplishments within the Army, and you’ll inform he developed into such a pacesetter. After graduating in 1994, he traveled the world to steer and serve amongst fellow members of the navy in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was concerned with missions comparable to Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn, and Enduring Freedom. He accomplished his most up-to-date mission in May 2017.
Among the honors he acquired in his profession are the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), NATO Medal (ISAF clasp) and the Army Aviation Association of America Order of Saint Michael (Bronze).
On April 17, 2015, Gist assumed the place he holds now, and he’s performed an necessary function in growing the cadets he labored with into the troopers and leaders that our nation wants. West Point’s general objective is to coach their college students by way of the three pillars – Academic, Military, and Physical. The undeniable fact that he has grow to be a purpose why the those that stroll the halls of West Point really feel the best way that he did when he was a scholar isn’t misplaced on him.
“It’s a tremendous privilege to serve here. We have a tremendously important mission, and its importance can’t ever be overstated.”
Gist described the Department of Physical Education at West Point as a various and efficient mixture of navy expertise and civilian disciplinary experience. The workforce is made up of navy members, non-military school, and help workers. As with any sports activities workforce or main enterprise, all of the elements should complement one another and work collectively to finish the target.
“All of these people come from a variety of backgrounds of education, kinesiology, and of course their military experience,” he shared. “We’re committed to the mission, and ultimately, we’re very successful in developing leaders of character.”
As is the case with different United States Military Academy establishments, you need to be comfy getting uncomfortable in case you’re going to succeed at a spot like West Point. Gist shared that they very deliberately take them exterior their consolation zone early and sometimes, however Gist explains that it’s essential to realize greatness, whether or not it’s within the navy or with health.
“That’s where adaptation occurs. Just like if were to look at skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle adapts when we apply progressive overload,” he defined. “If we’re willing to challenge ourselves and others, adaptation occurs, and people grow.”
Gist hasn’t simply seen this course of play out in his 29-year profession. He witnessed it as a mother or father. His daughter, Maddie, is about to finish flight college as an Apache pilot at West Point. His son, Graham, is a junior at West Point as properly. He steered that many different younger individuals will make the selection to hitch the navy and obtain excessive ranges of success for his or her nation and themselves.
Gist stated, “I would advocate as I have with my own kids to serve because I think it’s important to the current and future state of our nation. It really is about citizenship.” He additionally hopes that individuals who stay civilians can discover methods to help those who do put on the uniform.
“Whether anyone serves or not, support to our servicemen and women is incredibly important.”
For extra details about West Point, go to westpoint.edu. You can observe the United States Military Academy on Instagram @westpoint_usma and the USMA Department of Physical Education @westpoint_dpe.