Values, Leadership & Conduct

What are the Marine Corps Core Values?

Honor, Courage, and Commitment. They are the bedrock of every Marine's character.

What does the core value Honor mean for a Marine?

Integrity, responsibility, and respect — Marines are expected to be honest and truthful, to do the right thing when no one is watching, and to uphold the highest ethical standards.

What does the core value Courage mean for a Marine?

The mental, moral, and physical strength to do what is right in the face of fear, adversity, or pressure — both in combat and in everyday decisions.

What does the core value Commitment mean for a Marine?

Dedication to the Corps, to fellow Marines, and to the mission — a spirit of determination and the highest degree of selflessness.

What are the 14 Marine Corps leadership traits?

JJ DID TIE BUCKLE: Justice, Judgment, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, Endurance.

What are the 11 Marine Corps leadership principles?

Be technically and tactically proficient; know yourself and seek self-improvement; know your Marines and look out for their welfare; keep your Marines informed; set the example; ensure the task is understood, supervised, and accomplished; train your Marines as a team; make sound and timely decisions; develop a sense of responsibility among subordinates; employ your unit per its capabilities; seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.

What is the official mission of the Marine Corps?

To provide a combined-arms expeditionary force in readiness and to maintain the readiness of Marine Corps forces to operate jointly in peacetime and across the range of military operations.

In one sentence, what is the purpose of the Marine Corps?

To provide a quality force of dedicated Marines, organized and equipped for the broadest range of operational challenges, ready to respond when the nation calls.

What does Article I of the Code of Conduct state?

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.

What does Article II of the Code of Conduct state?

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.

What does Article III of the Code of Conduct state?

If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

What does Article IV of the Code of Conduct state?

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 harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

What does Article V of the Code of Conduct state?

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 country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

What does Article VI of the Code of Conduct state?

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.

What do you swear in the oath of enlistment?

To support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; to bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and to obey the orders of the President and the officers appointed over you, per the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

What is the UCMJ?

The Uniform Code of Military Justice — the body of law that governs the conduct of all U.S. service members. Marines are subject to it at all times.