What distinguished West Point is not that it claimed a monopoly on character development, but that it recognized that technical competence without moral development can become dangerous. I now realize that West Point was not replacing the lessons I learned from parents, teachers, coaches, or scoutmasters. That is why I have come to believe that service in the military does not create character, but tests it. Together, they created countless opportunities for young people to practice responsibility, to show their character, before being entrusted with a leadership role. If we want better character in our leaders, there is only one solution: to promote better character in each other, especially young people.