BASIC KNOWLEDGE
I have tried to collect some basic information here that would be helpful for recruits, potential recruits, and family members who want to know more about the Marine Corps. I have taken this information directly from recent and official Marine Corps publications. Please know that every attempt has been made to insure that this information is both correct and complete. Keep in mind, however, that this is NOT an official Marine Corps website, and this site is NOT endorsed or supported by the U.S. Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, or any other agency of the U.S. Government.
THE 11 GENERAL ORDERS
CODE OF CONDUCT
THE 14 LEADERSHIP TRAITS
LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES
THE RIFLEMAN'S CREED
USMC CORE VALUES
THE MARINE CORPS HYMN
The 11 General Orders
1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view
2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing
3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce
4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.
7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty
8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder
9. To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions
10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased
11. To be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no on to pass without proper authority
CODE OF CONDUCT
ARTICLE I:
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
ARTICLE II:
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in
command, I will never surrender the members of my
command while they still have the means to resist.
ARTICLE III:
If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means
available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
ARTICLE IV:
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmfull to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them in every way.
ARTICLE V:
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I
am required to give name, rank, service number, and
date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my coutry or its allies or harmful to their cause.
ARTICLE VI:
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for
freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to
the principles which made my country free. I will trust
in my God and in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
THE 14 TRAITS OF LEADERSHIP
1. Justice:
Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A person who gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishment on merit.
2. Judgement:
Judgement is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.
3. Dependability:
Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.
4. Integrity:
Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say and do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.
5. Decisiveness:
Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. You get all the facts and weigh them against each other, then act – calmly and quickly – arriving at a sound decision.
6. Tact:
Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm in approach.
7. Initiative:
Initiative is taking action even though you haven’t been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you
8. Endurance:
Endurance is almost like courage. It is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. A lack of endurance in a combat situation is sometimes viewed as cowardice. In peacetime, endurance is the quality of withstanding pain. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.
9. Bearing:
Bearing is defined as your general appearance, how you conduct and carry yourself. Your personal appearance and the condition of your clothing and equipment should be outstanding. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.
10. Unselfishness:
Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who work well rather than take the credit for yourself.
11. Courage:
Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means that you have the guts to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.
12. Knowledge:
Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job and your MOS, you should know your unit’s policies and keep up with current events.
13. Loyalty:
Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis! You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.
14. Enthusiasm:
Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenge of the Marine Corps.
PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP
1. Be Technically and Tactically Proficient.
2. Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement.
3. Know Your Marines and look out for their welfare.
4. Keep Your Marines informed.
5. Set the example.
6. Ensure that the task is understood, supervised, and accomplished.
7. Train your Marines as a team.
8. Make sound and timely decisions.
9. Develop a sense of responsibility in your subordinates.
10. Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.
11. Take responsibility for your actions.
THE RIFLEMAN'S CREED
This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.
My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will...
My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit...
My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will...
Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We
are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace!
THE MARINE CORPS HYMN
From the halls of Montezuma,
to the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our contry's battles
in the air, on land and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom,
and to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place,
where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands
and in sunny tropic scenes,
You will always find us on the job,
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life
and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
ever look on heaven's scenes,
they will find the streets are guarded
by United States Marines.
USMC CORE VALUES
HONOR:
The bedrock of our character. The quality that guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior; never to lie, cheat, or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; to respect human dignity; to have respect and concern for each other. The quality of maturity, dedication, trust, and dependability that commits Marines to act responsibly; to be accountable for actions; to fulfill obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions.
COURAGE:
The heart of our Core Values, courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines to carry them through the challenges of combat and the mastery of fear; to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; to lead by example, and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to take that extra step.
COMMITMENT:
The spirit of determination and dedication within members of a force of arms that leads to professionalism and mastery of the art of war. It leads to the highest order of discipline for unit and self; it is the ingredient that enables 24-hour a day dedication to Corps and Country; pride; concern for others; and an unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. Commitment is the value that establishes the Marine as the warrior and citizen others strive to emulate.
GRAPHICS ON THIS PAGE
If you like the images on this page and would like to use them yourself, please visit the link for the image’s source on the "Where Did I Get My Graphics" Page. If you should choose to use one of the images you see on this site, or any other website, do NOT directly link to the images. Download the images to your own hard drive and then upload them to your web server. Thank you and enjoy!
The honormen image at the top of the page was found on the MCRD San Diego website in the image gallery.
The small grey Eagle, Globe, & Anchor emblems were taken from Just Another Jarhead's website.
Any image that appears on this page that is not listed with its source above was acquired in one of the following three ways: The image may have been given to me by the artist for exclusive use on this site. The image may have been pulled from a reputable public domain graphics engine such as ArribaVista.com. The image also could have been taken directly from the image directories at my host, Angelfire. There are several images throughout this site that were acquired by one of these three methods. Because I believe strongly in making sure that all of the artwork appearing on this site is appropriately used and credited, please feel free to send any inquiries, comments, concerns, or requests regarding the images on this site directly to me via email.
Semper fidelis et semper gratus,
Amy L.
Creator – The US Military Spouses' Club
https://www.angelfire.com/co/militarywives/