The Soldier’s Creed captures the core values of military service and articulates the identity of an American Soldier.
It reflects the Warrior Ethos and Army Values, which are fundamental to the professional identity of those who serve.
The Soldier’s Creed
I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and part of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and embody the Army Values.
I will prioritize the mission above all.
I will not accept defeat.
I will not quit.
I will not abandon a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined and resilient, both physically and mentally, and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I consistently ensure that my arms, equipment, and personal readiness are maintained.
I am knowledgeable and maintain a professional standard.
I am prepared to deploy, engage, and neutralize the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a protector of freedom and uphold the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
Warrior Ethos and Army Values
The Warrior Ethos is central to the Soldier’s Creed, emphasizing a commitment to never give up, never accept defeat, and never leave a comrade behind.
This ethos closely aligns with the seven Army Values:
- Loyalty: You stay faithful to the nation, the Army, and your fellow Soldiers.
- Duty: You fulfill your responsibilities with steadfast dedication.
- Respect: You treat everyone with dignity and fairness.
- Selfless Service: You prioritize the needs of the nation and your team over your own interests.
- Honor: You uphold all Army Values in your actions.
- Integrity: You conduct yourself in a lawful and ethical manner.
- Personal Courage: You confront fear and adversity, both physically and morally.
These values shape your actions and judgments as a Soldier, forming the bedrock of your character and conduct.
Professional Identity of the American Soldier
As an American Soldier, you represent a distinct professional identity.
You are a defender of freedom and the American way of life.
Your creed confirms that you are a warrior and part of a team dedicated to serving the people of the United States.
You are trained and ready to confront and overcome threats to the United States in combat.
This responsibility demands a high level of discipline, both physically and mentally, along with expertise in your assigned tasks and drills.
Your role as a Soldier also includes being an ambassador for the Army.
You embody its principles and professionalism in every endeavor, whether on or off duty.
This duty extends to maintaining your readiness and fostering support among your fellow Soldiers.
Living the Creed in Service
The Soldier’s Creed influences every aspect of military service.
It shapes your mentality and actions, inspiring you to uphold the highest standards of duty and honor.
Commitment to the Mission
You consistently place the mission first, at all times.
This dedication often requires sacrificing personal comfort and directly confronting challenges.
When assigned a mission, you pursue it with fierce determination.
Giving up is not an option.
Your dedication also extends to your fellow Soldiers.
You never abandon a fallen comrade regardless of the situation.
This bond of trust remains unbreakable.
In the face of difficulties, you maintain mental toughness.
Challenges serve as openings to exhibit your resolve.
You undergo rigorous training to stay primed for any circumstance.
Upholding the Standards in Training and Combat
Your expertise in warrior tasks and drills is essential.
You meticulously maintain your arms and gear, ensuring you are prepared for deployment at a moment’s notice.
In battle, you engage and neutralize threats with unwavering focus.
Your discipline is evident in high-pressure scenarios, and you make rapid decisions that align with your training and values.
You represent not only yourself on the firefight but also the entire U.S. Army.
By embracing the Soldier’s Creed, your actions uphold the honor of your unit and your country.
The Creed’s Impact on Soldier Life
The Soldier’s Creed deeply influences daily life and career advancement within the U.S. Army.
It instills fundamental values and a guiding sense of purpose throughout Soldiers’ military experiences.
Guiding Professional Development
The creed acts as a guide for your development as a Soldier.
During basic training, you memorize its principles, laying the groundwork for your military career.
As you progress, its values shape your leadership and choices.
During enlisted promotion boards, you may be asked to recite the creed.
A deep understanding of its significance can influence your advancement prospects.
The creed underscores professionalism and expertise, motivating you to excel in your assigned roles and actively pursue further training.
For officers involved in Army ROTC programs, the creed emphasizes the importance of leading by example.
It serves as a reminder of your responsibility to uphold high standards while preparing to guide enlisted personnel.
Celebrating and Honoring the Soldier Identity
The creed builds a profound sense of pride in your role as a defender of the nation.
During public events, you recite it alongside fellow Soldiers, reinforcing your shared dedication to service.
In daily life, the values of honor and integrity from the creed shape your actions, both on and off duty.
You are reminded that you represent the Army and its principles at all times.
The creed’s focus on teamwork enhances relationships within your unit.
You learn to depend on and collaborate with one another towards shared objectives, whether during training exercises or in combat scenarios.
As a noncommissioned officer, you utilize the creed to motivate and mentor junior Soldiers.
It serves as a means to cultivate discipline and a sense of purpose among those under your command.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Soldier’s Creed encompasses essential principles and values that guide personnel in the U.S. Army.
Let’s address some common inquiries regarding this vital creed and its associated military codes.
What are the main components of the Soldier’s Creed?
The Soldier’s Creed is composed of several key statements.
They include affirmations of identity, teamwork commitment, and dedication to service, underscoring readiness for combat, professionalism, and safeguarding American liberties.
Key phrases include, “I am an American Soldier” and “I am a warrior and a member of a team.”
How does the Warrior Ethos relate to the Soldier’s Creed?
The Warrior Ethos is an essential aspect of the Soldier’s Creed, woven throughout the text.
It comprises four fundamental principles:
- I will always place the mission first.
- I will never accept defeat.
- I will never quit.
- I will never leave a fallen comrade.
These principles reinforce the Soldier’s commitment and perseverance.
Can you list the seven Army values mentioned in the Soldier’s Creed?
The seven Army values are integral to the Soldier’s Creed, referenced in “live the Army Values.” These values are:
- Loyalty
- Duty
- Respect
- Selfless Service
- Honor
- Integrity
- Personal Courage
Each value plays a crucial role in shaping a Soldier’s character and behavior.
Is there a difference between the Soldier’s Creed and the Infantryman’s Creed?
Yes, there is a distinction.
The Soldier’s Creed pertains to all Army members, independent of their assigned roles, while the Infantryman’s Creed is specific to infantry Soldiers.
You’ll find that the Infantryman’s Creed emphasizes combat-related responsibilities and the specific challenges faced by infantry units.
What is the relationship between the Soldier’s Creed and the Army Civilian Creed?
The Army Civilian Creed complements the Soldier’s Creed.
While Soldiers have their own creed, civilian employees adhere to a different set of principles.
Both creeds stress themes of service, professionalism, and a commitment to the Army’s mission, reflecting the collective efforts of military and civilian forces.
How is the NCO Creed connected to the Soldier’s Creed?
The NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) Creed builds upon the Soldier’s Creed.
As an NCO, you are expected to exemplify the Soldier’s Creed while assuming additional leadership responsibilities.
The NCO Creed expands on notions of professionalism, guidance, and setting standards for other Soldiers.