Soldiers Creed, Warrior Ethos

In marking Armed Forces week, a look at the belief system and guiding principles behind our armed forces.

 

Today we start with the Army. The Army is the oldest of our Armed Forces, having begun as the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The Army National Guard began as a state militia, a group of volunteers who fought part time.

 

The full time/part time distinction between the Army and the National Guard continues today, but the commitment to the national and citizens is no less important and necessary. Thank you all for serving.

 

Here is the Soldiers Creed from the U.S. Army. It is absolutely leaves me with chills when I hear a group of soldiers simultaneously reciting this creed. Read these words and remember that this is a solemn promise our soldiers make. The ethos is what they live by. Quite remarkable...

 

Soldier’s Creed

I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

Warrior Ethos

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.