Understanding U.S. Marine Corps Values
The United States Marine Corps is renowned for its Marine Corps values, which serve as guiding principles for all its service members. These values — framed simply as “Honor, Courage, and Commitment” inform the Marine Corps code of conduct that shapes the character and actions of every Marine.
The Motto
The primary U.S. Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis,” a Latin phrase meaning “Always Faithful.” Here’s how the core values of this organization reflect the concept of fidelity.
The Values
These values were made official in the 1990s by the 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General C. E. Mundy Jr. (1935–2014).
Honor: The Foundation of Integrity
Honor is the first of the Marine Corps’ core values, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and moral principles. Honor signifies a Marine’s commitment to act with integrity, respect, and accountability in all situations. According to the Marine Corps, honor is the foundation of all values and requires Marines to uphold their word and adhere to the highest standards of conduct.
Key Aspects of Honor
Integrity. Marines are expected to be honest and forthright in their dealings with others, fostering trust within their units and the broader community.
Respect. Marines must treat others with dignity, recognizing the worth of each individual regardless of rank or background.
Accountability. Marines must own their decisions and the outcomes, taking responsibility for their actions whether the impact is positive or negative.
Courage: Facing Challenges Head-On
Courage, the second core value, embodies the mental, moral, and physical strength to do what is right, even in the face of adversity. Marines demonstrate courage by confronting fear, overcoming obstacles, and standing firm in their convictions.
Dimensions of Courage
Physical courage. This involves the willingness to face physical danger, whether in combat or training scenarios. Marines are trained to confront life-threatening situations and protect their comrades.
Moral courage. Moral courage is equally important, as it enables Marines to speak out against wrongdoing and uphold ethical standards, even when doing these things is difficult.
Emotional resilience. The ability to cope with stress and emotional challenges is vital for Marines, especially during intense deployments or personal hardships.
Commitment: Dedication to Service
The third core value, commitment, reflects a Marine’s dedication to the mission, their fellow Marines, and the nation. Commitment entails a steadfastness to uphold the ideals of the Corps and to contribute positively to the communities Marines serve.
Elements of Commitment
Professionalism. Marines are committed to maintaining high levels of proficiency in their skills and duties, ensuring they can perform effectively in any situation.
Teamwork. Marines have a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork that is essential in the Corps, fostering an environment where they can rely on each other in critical moments.
Community engagement. Marines often extend their commitment beyond the battlefield, participating in community service and outreach efforts to support local communities.
Living the Values: More Than Just Words
The core values of the Marine Corps are integrated into every aspect of a Marine’s life, from training to daily interactions. These values are a fundamental part of what it means to be a Marine. They are reinforced through rigorous training and the culture of the Corps, instilling a sense of purpose and identity among Marines.
Training and Reinforcement
Leadership development. Leaders within the Marine Corps emphasize the importance of these values, serving as role models for their subordinates. Training programs often include discussions on how to embody these principles in various scenarios.
Mentorship programs. More experienced Marines mentor newcomers, helping them understand and adopt the core values early in their careers. This fosters a culture of integrity and responsibility.
Performance evaluations. Marines are evaluated not only on their technical skills but also on how well they exemplify the Corps’ values, reinforcing the idea that character is as important as competence.
The values of honor, courage, and commitment are the bedrock of the U.S. Marine Corps. They define what it means to be a Marine and guide a Marine’s actions both on and off the battlefield. By living these values, Marines create a legacy of integrity, resilience, and service that inspires others to strive for excellence in their own lives.
You can express your thanks to Marines everywhere in many ways but especially by supporting nonprofits that serve Marine Corps families and other types of military families.
Support Marine Corps Families With MC-LEF
Since its creation in 1995, the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF) has offered educational funding to the children of fallen military service members. Thanks to our generous donors, MC-LEF currently establishes a $35,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving on active duty as a federal law enforcement agent, in the U.S. Marine Corps, or as a Navy Corpsman. To date, MC-LEF has awarded over $93 million in educational accounts and other humanitarian assistance to over 5,900 recipients. Contact us to learn more.
All MC-LEF officers and board members are volunteers; we have only one paid employee. We pride ourselves on running our organization as cost-effectively as possible so that the vast majority of our donor funds can be used to accomplish our mission of educating the children of those who sacrificed all. Please consider donating today.
