Are these values just another PR marketing tool being used for recruiting or are they values we honestly believe in and abide by… for life?   

I remember when there was a big push in the early 90’s to get these Core Values out to all Marines and ensure they all understand them.  Instructors were assigned at all commands to present the Core Values and explain what they meant to us as Marines.  We were very successful in doing this and subsequently have made them a major part of everything seen and “done” by Marines from basic training to career level assignments.  But do we actually practice what we preach; do all measure up to this standard…is the change really for life?  

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.

There is no question that these values have been, in some form or another, what have made the Marine Corps what it is in the eyes of the American public. The period of 1938 to1953 in Marine Corps History epitomize these values.  When Americans think of Marines, it is hard not to visualize the raising of the flag at  Iwo Jima  or the walk out of the Chosin.  Being a Marine meant you were different and Marines proved it.  It is no different today just look at  Iraq  Afghanistan.  Becoming a Marine sets you apart and really does affect you for life.  We are seen by many as what an honorable, courageous and committed individual is.  Our Core Values are the bedrock of what being a Marine is all about and what helps make us different.  So, why than do some take such a narrow view of them, why don’t we strictly enforce them without the exceptions?  Or are they just a marketing tool with no real intent and purpose other than taking a back seat to expedience?  It sure does seem that way sometimes.

In the interest of stimulating some thought on the subject, let me take some aspects of each of the values and attempt to explain.  Maybe I am being too idealistic to think these values can be followed exactly as stated without the exceptions.  But it is hard for me to accept that Marines can’t be held to a higher standard; after all, we already proved we can accomplish what some considered the impossible, so why not when it comes to living up to our Core Values and do it for life. Let me use the following examples from each of the values as defined and taught to Marines and try to provoke your interest:  

Under HONOR…hold others accountable for their actions.

Under COURAGE…Moral Courage is moral strength, the will to heed the inner voice of conscience, the will to do what is right regardless of the conduct of others.

Under COMMITMENT…. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. 

As Marines, we have all taken an oath to protect and defend the constitution against all enemies so help us God.  Remember?  Well, here than is the dilemma.  If the same Marine who took that oath before God now has reneged on his vows of marriage, which are also taken before God, why or how can he or she be trusted to abide by the oath of a Marine to defend the constitution?  Do we not consider vows/commitment to another or is this an “exception” and acceptable?  What is the meaning of commitment to those that have been married 3, 4 and even 5 times?   Do we have Marines and Marines in leadership positions that fall into this category?  Is this a good example of a person that understands the value of commitment?  Commitment means sacrifice; sacrifice that comes in many forms.  Should we tolerate this exception?  Is this value only meant for selective implementation within an organizational framework and ignored on a personal level?  If so, what are the exceptions to how and when to demonstrate a sense of commitment?  In both situations, they were, in most cases, sworn before God, but not abiding by ones vows 1, 2, 3 or whatever number of times still mean you have a sense of the value of commitment?  Can you be expected to trust someone under a life and death situation or any situation that has a selective sense of commitment?  Is this too old fashion?  Too hard?  Too idealistic?  Is this one of those, it depends on what the meaning of what IS, IS?  I know it touches a sore subject for some, but an oath or vow before God should be viewed the same…a commitment!  Exceptions and acceptable?      

Moral Courage we have been taught, at times, is more difficult than physical courage. It is the foundation of character; the ability to stick up for what you feel is right, regardless of the conduct of others and the consequences.  But there are too many cases where individuals attempting to demonstrate this value have become victims and/or made out to be rogues/troublemakers, especially when the complaint is against a person of authority or influence.  It seems that moral courage and adhering to one’s own principles is getting to be more and more difficult in today’s society; those that adhere to this value are usually left to fend for themselves without the support or commitment from others.  Others that stand on the side lines and just watch even though they know what is happening is wrong.  This seems to be the norm in today’s society and it makes it more and more difficult for Marines with Core Values when transitioning to the private sector.  In the eyes of many we are the epitome of the highest standards and these values.  Therefore, some are going to shy away from Marines, because it may force them to adhere to the same values or high standards or suffer the consequences.  The lack of ethics and values has become more and more acceptable in many areas of society.  Ethics and doing what is right has all but disappeared and this has carried over to some areas of the military and government.   There are just too many situations where individuals demonstrating moral courage, abiding by or demonstrating a sense of commitment to values and principles become victims and eventually are penalized or denied opportunities.  What’s the alternative for those that try to stay true to their Core Values and try to remain ethical?  Go with the flow or become the preverbal salmon swimming against the stream who suffers for being different?  Do we allow exceptions to this value to survive?  One would think that what is right is right and having the sense of commitment to values and principles shouldn’t mean you have to deal with a plethora of exceptions used by individuals with other than honorable intentions to survive in any environment.  Should we Marines have to set aside our values and principles in the interest of discretion or should we be steadfast when it comes to them no matter what with no exceptions…Is the change for life?  Too idealistic?  Too hard?   

The last item, under Honor, is holding others accountable for their actions.  Unfortunately, both in and out of the Corps, this depends on whom.  We are all created equal, but let’s face it; there are those that are more equal then others.  Again, maybe I’m being too idealistic to think this can be applied fairly and evenly to all.  But, if we are going use it as a part of one of our core values, we need to make sure it is fairly, evenly and justly applied to ALL.  NO EXCEPTIONS!  This may be easier to do in the military than in the civilian sector, but it has also been abused there many times and recently.  Sometimes rank has its privileges and there are situations where some have gotten away with what others get punished to the letter of the law.  Exceptions?  When it comes to accountability and holding individual’s accountable, it seems to be getting increasingly more difficult.  It appears that power, influence and money have become key factors that allow many to do whatever and whenever they want regardless of values or the law.  What do we do as Marines with our higher standards and sense of values when dealing with situations like these?  Accept them?  Is the change for life?  Too hard?      

Maybe these values are just there to be movable “guide” lines deluded with exceptions.  Maybe they are just “goals” we hope to achieve or maybe they really are nothing more than just a marketing tool, empty phases and meaningless clichés on posters.  For some of us that served in the Marines or with Marines know what being a Marine is all about; these Core Values are what we are, what we stand for, who we are as individuals and why we opted to become Marines and accept the calling.  Yes, it is hard to live by this set of Values like these, but who ever said being a Marine was easy.  I believe these values can be applied in everything we do as Marines, but it takes a high degree of sacrifice and, a willing to remain a beacon of what we stand for as Marines by not accepting any exceptions or an easy way out.  To do anything less, would only make those values nothing more than meaningless and empty phases that adorn posters. 

We have those amongst us that have become too “Semper Me” and have forgot the true meaning of Semper Fi and what being a Marine is all about ALL THE TIME and staying true to the values of HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT.  Values that long before the Corps decided to institutional helped make the Marine Corps what it is and attracted exceptional individuals to our ranks.  If the change is for life and Once a Marine, Always a Marine is truly a calling, Semper Fi should always prevail and these values should remain with us forever. There should be no tolerance or room for those who fail to abide by them.  This is what makes us different as MARINES.  Real and honest understanding of these values, strict adherence to them by all at all levels in the Marine Corps and amongst all Marines; they are the bedrock of our character as Marines and they do not need to be compromised with exceptions.  No exceptions when it comes to the Core Values; we need to be and continue to stay true to the fact and the belief that the only EXCEPTION in today’s society is a Marine with unwavering CORE VALUES.    

For those of us that are now amongst civilians, this is a challenge.  The only way we are going to survive with our values intact and continue make a difference in are communities is to stick together and strictly adhere to and enforce these values in the same manner expected of us when we wore a uniform.  We need to epitomize these values individually and collectively in all that we do, how we do it and NOT tolerate those that fail to adhere to them.  In a society that has lost the meaning of ethics at every level, we need to be beacons and guardians of these values for our brother and sister Marines departing the Corps, so they can set their sights on those who still work with, protect and practice a sense of values.  They need to know that these values really matter and they really are for life with NO EXCEPTIONS.   

The core values can continue to guide us in becoming the point of the spear in our civilian communities in regard to ethics, standards and values just as Marines have been the point of the spear for the armed forces throughout history because of their character, a CHARACTER based on HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT.  But the change really needs to be for life or these values become nothing more than empty phases and meaningless clichés that adorn posters.  We need to send the message that First to Fight and Guarded by a US Marine still is powerful!

Sound off!  What do you think…Is the change for life…Too idealistic to think we can be true to the Core Values?

“If everyone could be a Marine, It wouldn’t be the Marines”