U.S. Marine Corps: A very effective team.
When I was a boy, I wanted to be a Marine. My dad was a Marine and I wanted to be like him. While my life did not take me through Parris Island, dad made sure that the USMC influenced on how I view the world.
I think one of the things that has impressed me most about the Marine Corps is what they produce: MARINES. Without exception, these guys are a breed apart. Even after 50 or 60 years, they are unmistakably Marines. And I should know, I see enough of these tough 'ol birds in my work with the Veteran's Administration. By the way, no disrespect to the other services. I have met some amazing people that served in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force but, those Marines are a little different.
One thing that makes Marines so remarkable is that EVERY Marine is a brother. From the moment these guys finish boot camp, they are on the team and it is a team they stay on until they die. It doesn't matter to a Marine when you became a Marine, as long as you earned the right to wear the globe and anchor and did not disgrace it, another Marine would have your back. At least that is what I have seen.
So how is it that the Marine Corps can take just about any young man or woman and create such an effective team? To answer this, I went back to their core values.
U.S. Marine Corps' Core Values
The Core Values give Marines strength and regulate their behavior; they bond the Marine Corps into a total force that can meet any challenge.
Honor
Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior; to never lie cheat or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity; and respect others. The quality of maturity, dedication, trust and dependability commit Marines to act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions; to fulfill their obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions.
Courage
Courage is the mental, moral and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries them through the challenges of combat and helps them overcome fear. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.
Commitment
Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It is the ingredient that enables 24-hour a day dedication to Corps and country. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor.
Imagine the power of a personal set of written core values. After reading these values, can you think of how they can be adapted to your life? How about to your relationship to your spouse? I guarantee that only good could come from aligning your personal compass and the compass of your marriage to a set of unifying core values. May I suggest that you start with the Marines? Thanks Dad - - - You may be gone, but your voice lives on in me - you tough old Jar Head.
