The Soldier’s Creed
How and why to live according to the soldier’s creed
The soldier’s creed are standards by which every member of the United States Army has to live — private or sergeant.
Like I explained in my previous post The 7 Virtues Of Bushido, life is oftentimes compared to war. It’s a constant battle.
That’s why I think, that it might be valuable to have a short overview of some of the rules, that are part of the soldier’s creed. For this post, I’ve chosen six rules, that I found most helpful and important for everyday life.
I will always place the mission first
The mission has to be accomplished no matter the personal cost.
In an everyday life situation this can be applied to your values and principles. Doing the right thing — or whatever your principles are — is your “mission” that has to be accomplished. Choose a path and stick to it. If you believe in something, then it’s your mission to live by it and stand up for it — no matter the cost or circumstances.
I will never accept defeat
Defeat is not an option. Even if everything seems lost I have to keep on fighting.
Persistence — a rare character trait. Most people would give up, if it seems hopeless and lost. “I’m going to loose anyway, so why keep on going?” That’s the normal response, but if you really want it — if you really believe in it — you should keep going. Many “hopelessly lost” situations in history turned into wins, because the loosing side kept going.
I will never quit
I would rather die, than quit.
Similar to the last rule, you have to be persistent and don’t give up. It’s hard. It’s painful. It’s socially unaccepted. You just want to give up — but you shouldn’t. What about the mission? What about the goals? Life is hard. If you want to be successful in life — professional or private — you should never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade
No one gets ever left behind.
In everyday life this means, not being egoistic. It also means to be loyal to your friends/family/community. Help others wherever you can and don’t leave anyone behind. Would you want to be left behind by others?
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained
and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills
I am trained to overcome every obstacle, that stands in my way.
Discipline, toughness, proficiency — these are known as good character traits. They can be trained and they should be trained. I have to say it again: life is hard, so you have to be harder.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself
I am ALWAYS ready for any mission.
The only certainty in life is its uncertainty. Everything in the future is uncertain. Life will attack you, when you don’t expect it. You have to be ready for its sudden strikes. That’s why you have to be ready for anything at any time.
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