Fourteen Character Traits of a U.S. Marine

Good moral character is not a genetic gift or inherent talent bestowed upon all human beings. Many have a natural talent to lead, while others have to work at building up certain traits to become good leaders. In the Marine Corps, there are 14 character traits that all Marines are expected to aspire to and uphold.

Integrity. This trait is crucial in leading. A Marine must be able to keep his/her word when he/she gives it. Others are counting on any reports a Marine gives to be the truth. Marines should do the right thing even when no one is watching. Personal integrity is the foundation upon which others can depend on a Marine’s word. Their lives may one day depend on it.

Knowledge. A Marine must know his/her job, weapons, equipment and training. This information is invaluable, as it is never known when it may be needed. A Marine’s knowledge can be shared with others. When a Marine does not know something, he/she admits it and then takes the initiative to find the answer.

Courage. There are two forms of courage – physical and moral. Harnessing fear is the key to courage. Using it as an advantage can strengthen a Marine’s resolve to fight longer and harder. Taking action in the face of fear is also essential in building courage. Moral courage is defined as standing up for what is right. When a Marine is wrong, he/she should admit as much and correct him/herself.

Decisiveness. Making clear cut, educated decisions with confidence and without wavering is essential for a Marine. He or she must keep the morale of his or her fellow Marines high by exuding confidence in his or her decisions.

Dependability. Marines are expected to be on time, give no excuses, and get the job done. Marines can be counted on to follow through on their word and carry out orders as instructed.

Initiative. Thinking ahead and observing his/her environment at all times for opportunities to achieve mission excellence is another character trait of a great Marine. He/she does not wait to be told what to do, he/she sees a job that needs to be accomplished and he/she does it.

Tact. Courtesy could be a synonym for the word tact. However, it is also defined beyond simple courtesy. Marines deliver a message to other Marines with a courtesy and approach that they themselves would appreciate it being delivered upon. Marines are considerate of their juniors and superiors respectively, and find a way to deliver any manner of good or bad news or input with a degree of civility and tact.

Justice. Marines judge others based on what kind of Marines they are and nothing else. They are fair when dealing with everyone and do not play favorites. Marines give other Marines a chance to prove themselves and spread out duties equally and without prejudice.

Enthusiasm. This character trait can be a contagious one. Marines spread their enthusiasm for the Corps to other Marines. They initiate goal setting for themselves and their unit and lead by showing their own enthusiasm for the mission at hand.

Bearing. Maintaining control of one’s emotions is very important when maintaining bearing. A Marine is required to represent themselves through their actions in a controlled, positive way, speaking plainly and simply. Swearing, getting irate, or flying off of the handle is the opposite of bearing and is a good way to lose the attention – and respect – of your fellow Marines.

Endurance. Marines are expected to go the distance in everything they do. Especially when that distance surpasses all normal expectations of the average human. Knowing that others depend on a Marine to lead them is a great motivator for endurance. Marines keep themselves in good physical and mental health to be able to respond at any moment to the stimulus that pushes his/her endurance. Marines push themselves beyond his/her comfort zones in an effort to prepare for future challenges that he/she will have to endure.

Unselfishness. Marines are constantly thinking of others before themselves. They are trained to give their best to their Marines first, at all times. Marine leaders make sure their troops are fed first, have the equipment and training that they need and are taken care of before they help themselves. A Marine leader is one who suffers with his unit instead of enjoying luxuries simply because he/she is in a place of leadership.

Loyalty. You could define the term Marine by this one character trait alone. Every Marine is bred to have loyalty for his/her fellow Marines from his/her first day in boot camp. “Semper Fidelis” is a latin term which means “always faithful” and is a phrase which Marines live by. Loyalty is defined by a Marine as backing one’s troops when they are right and correcting them when they are wrong. Marines do not criticize other Marines behind their back. They maintain the honor of their unit and their Corps at all times.

Judgment. Weighing all the facts in a situation and making and educated decision is the basis of a Marine’s judgment. This comes with experience and is used in conjunction with the 13 character traits above.

Whether or not you are a Marine, you can aspire to the traits listed above. When all are implemented, it makes for a superb citizen and human being.

Source: Guidebook for Marines, 18^th Edition. Marine Corps Association. Copyright 2001.