Partnerships are also a conduit for sharing experiences, technologies, and cultures. Our sister service academies and those of other nations, non-profit and corporate entities, and other institutions of higher learning all represent opportunities to share and grow in the art of developing future leaders. Increased levels of contractor support and privatization. Shift in military spending from support to modernization. Developing strong, meaningful partnerships is critical to the Academy's success today and will certainly remain so in the next century.
Most partnerships fall into four broad and overlapping categories.
Professional partnerships with other service academies, universities, and specialty groups provide opportunities to share knowledge and expertise. Regulatory partnerships, such as with our Board of Visitors, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, provide guidance and an avenue to communicate issues. The North Central Association enables the Academy to maintain nationally recognized accreditation reflecting our high standards of education so we can continue to attract the best officer candidates possible. Fiduciary partnerships such as The Association of Graduates, along with distinguished foundations, do much more than raise critical funds to support our Capstone of Excellence programs. They also provide an invaluable venue for alumni and friends of the Academy to remain involved in this institution's future and communicate its value to the American public.