Most People who take note of the US Armed Forces has heard of West Level. 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 Level’s mission is “to coach, practice, and encourage the Corps of Cadets so that every graduate is a commissioned chief of character dedicated to the values of Obligation, Honor, Nation and ready for a profession {of professional} excellence and repair to the nation as an officer within the U. S. Military.”
One of many those that performs an vital position 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 “Grasp of the Sword.” He could 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 in the present day.
“I believe a whole lot of the journey I’ve been on, if not all of it, was a product of how I grew up,” Gist mentioned. “From my earliest reminiscences, my dad and mom had been at all times those that loved being open air.”
His father was a farrier, and he served in the US 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 nicely. Mix these two backgrounds, and you’ve got a toddler that was accustomed to being outdoors early and infrequently.
“I grew up enjoying outdoors and I imply that within the biggest sense of ‘go outside, explore your environment, play video games, throw rocks, sword combat with sticks, and that undoubtedly concerned into enjoying sports activities.’”
Gist performed baseball, soccer, and acquired into novice wrestling as his sports activities of selection. These would develop into the first focus of his childhood. His youthful brother, Eric, grew up the identical means. He credited coaches akin to Bruce Wiseman had been the fathers of different youngsters on his groups, and he thought-about them prolonged household.
“Within the Military, we name them our tribes. These had been our tribes.”
Quick ahead to highschool commencement and Gist discovered himself at West Level as a cadet himself. As quickly as he stepped foot on campus, he might inform that extra could be anticipated of him, however he felt assured that he might reside as much as the lofty requirements.
“West Level had very excessive expectations by way of growing 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 notice very early on the significance of being bodily match, the physicality of the occupation you’re in as a future soldier.”
One have a look at Gist’s accomplishments within the Military, and you’ll inform he developed into such a pacesetter. After graduating in 1994, he traveled the world to guide and serve amongst fellow members of the army in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was concerned with missions akin to Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Daybreak, and Enduring Freedom. He accomplished his most up-to-date mission in Could 2017.
Among the many honors he obtained in his profession are the Bronze Star Medal, Protection Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Military Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Military Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), NATO Medal (ISAF clasp) and the Military Aviation Affiliation of America Order of Saint Michael (Bronze).
On April 17, 2015, Gist assumed the place he holds now, and he’s performed an vital position in growing the cadets he labored with into the troopers and leaders that our nation wants. West Level’s general purpose is to coach their college students by way of the three pillars – Educational, Navy, and Bodily. The truth that he has develop into a purpose why the those that stroll the halls of West Level really feel the way in which that he did when he was a pupil isn’t misplaced on him.
“It’s an incredible privilege to serve right here. Now we have a tremendously vital mission, and its significance can’t ever be overstated.”
Gist described the Division of Bodily Training at West Level as a various and efficient mixture of army expertise and civilian disciplinary experience. The crew is made up of army members, non-military college, and help workers. As with every sports activities crew or main enterprise, all of the elements should complement one another and work collectively to finish the target.
“All of those individuals come from quite a lot of backgrounds of training, kinesiology, and naturally their army expertise,” he shared. “We’re dedicated to the mission, and in the end, we’re very profitable in growing leaders of character.”
As is the case with different United States Navy Academy establishments, you must be snug getting uncomfortable should you’re going to succeed at a spot like West Level. Gist shared that they very deliberately take them outdoors their consolation zone early and infrequently, however Gist explains that it’s mandatory to attain greatness, whether or not it’s within the army or with health.
“That’s the place adaptation happens. Similar to if had been to take a look at skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle adapts after we apply progressive overload,” he defined. “If we’re prepared to problem ourselves and others, adaptation happens, and other people develop.”
Gist hasn’t simply seen this course of play out in his 29-year profession. He witnessed it as a guardian. His daughter, Maddie, is about to finish flight faculty as an Apache pilot at West Level. His son, Graham, is a junior at West Level as nicely. He advised that many different younger individuals will make the selection to hitch the army and obtain excessive ranges of success for his or her nation and themselves.
Gist mentioned, “I might advocate as I’ve with my very own youngsters to serve as a result of I believe it’s vital to the present and future state of our nation. It truly is about citizenship.” He additionally hopes that individuals who stay civilians can discover methods to help people who do put on the uniform.
“Whether or not anybody serves or not, help to our servicemen and ladies is extremely vital.”
For extra details about West Level, go to westpoint.edu. You may comply with the US Navy Academy on Instagram @westpoint_usma and the USMA Division of Bodily Training @westpoint_dpe.
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