Introduction
Values and principles should guide the ethical decision-making of each individual. Like many organizations, the Marine Corps has a collection of fundamental beliefs, including the strict attitudes and decisions that its members should follow. Nevertheless, when a child is born, their family and environment impose personal principles.
The Role of Personal Values
My family values, such as faith, honesty, hard work, and charity, align partly with the new set introduced: honor, courage, and commitment (Marines, 2019). The Marine Corps values are the priority, and when family ideals do not coincide when faced with a decision, one must modify them and develop the inner self to become a true Marine. Before the Marine Corps, my family taught me that it is crucial to be faithful, honest, hardworking, and generous in helping others whenever they need assistance. When people’s behaviors match their ideals, they are more likely to be pleased with their decisions and interactions (MasterClass, 2022).
Personal values are significant because they aid in developing a sense of morality by ensuring that behaviors are consistent with principles. Life may be much easier if I recognize my principles and develop plans and actions that reflect them. Values serve as a guidepost to assist everyone in becoming better people. Moral views shift as the concept of achievement evolves, which is why staying connected to the principles is a lifetime endeavor.
Staying loyal to beliefs, principles, and values is necessary to persevere and prevail. The values instilled in each Marine are the building blocks for making the right decisions, both on the battlefield and off. The Marine Corps’s essential values of honor, courage, and commitment define how all Marines think, act, and fight (Marines, 2019).
Ethical Decision-Making
Once Marines have understood their code of standards for decision-making, they engage in moral living by regularly evaluating past decisions and the consequences and experiences to make course corrections as needed (Marines, 2019). Taking time daily to reflect on decisions made, meeting with a mentor for guidance and accountability, and setting goals for the future are just a few ways Marines can stay on their chosen moral path. Thus, I will place these three crucial principles as my priority.
The Marine’s basic tenets are founded on honor: Marines would never steal, deceive, or mislead. This value is consistent with my values of honesty, faith, and charity, as the ability to assist others in need is a noble deed. I owe it to myself and everyone around me to be fair and truthful.
Courage propels Marines through difficult mental, moral, and physical situations (Crowl, 2020). It provides them with the confidence to confront obstacles and push fear and self-doubt aside to make difficult or stressful choices. Applying my hard work will strengthen this value. Lastly, commitment entails accepting dignity and bravery and giving your life to the cause.
Conclusion
The Marine Corps principles take precedence, and when family ideals do not align, one must adjust them and strengthen the inner self to become a Marine. I aim to focus on three vital principles: honor, courage, and commitment. I will incorporate my family values to align with these principles. For instance, applying my hard work philosophy and becoming a better person would boost my courage. Developing values is a lifelong process.
References
Crowl, Allison. 2020. “The Marine Corps’ Core Values: 3 Words to Live by.” Sandboxx. Web.
Marines. 2019. “Spiritual Fitness.” Web.
MasterClass. 2022. “Personal Values Explained: 7 Examples of Personal Values.” Web.