Sixth Marine Division

Marine Corps Creeds

The Creed of a United States Marine Rifleman

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My rifle is my best friend. It is my life.
I must master it as I must master my life.

My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless.
I must fire my rifle true.
I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me.
I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will . . .

My rifle and I know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire
the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make.
We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit . . .

My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life.
Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths,
its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel.
I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage.
I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready.
We will become part of each other. We will . . .

Before God I swear this creed.
My rifle and I are the defenders of my country.
We are the masters of our enemy.
We are the saviors of my life.

So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace!

~ by MGen William H. Rupertus, USMC Retired
first published 14 March 1942

NCO Creed

I am the backbone of the United States Marine Corps; I am a Marine Non-Commissioned Officer.
I serve as part of the vital link between my commander (and all officers) and enlisted Marines.
I will never forget who I am or what I represent.
I will challenge myself to the limit and be ever attentive to duty.
I am now, more than ever, committed to excellence in all that I do, so that I can set the proper example for other Marines.
I will demand of myself all the energy, knowledge and skills I possess, so that I can instill confidence in those I teach.
I will constantly strive to perfect my own skills and to become a good leader.
Above all, I will be truthful in all I say or do.
My integrity shall be as impeccable as my appearance.
I will be honest with myself, with those under my charge, and with my superiors.
I pledge to do my best to incorporate all the leadership traits into my character.
For such is the heritage I have received from that long, illustrious line of professionals who have worn the bloodstripe so proudly before me.
I must give the very best I have for my Marines, my Corps and my Country,
for though today I instruct and supervise in peace, tomorrow I may lead in war.

SNCO Creed

I am a Staff Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps.
As such, I am a member of the most unique group of professional military practitioners in the world.
I am bound by duty to God, Country and my fellow Marines to execute the demands of my position to and beyond what I believe to be the limits of my capabilities.
I realize I am the mainstay of Marine Corps discipline, and I carry myself with military grace, unbowed by the weight of command, unflinching in the execution of lawful orders, and unswerving in my dedication to the most complete success of my assigned mission.
Both my professional and personal demeanor shall be such that I may take pride if my juniors emulate me, and knowing perfection to lie beyond the grasp of any mortal hand, I shall yet strive to attain perfection that I may ever be aware of my needs and capabilities to improve myself.
I shall be fair in my personal relations, just in the enforcement of discipline, true to myself and my fellow Marines, and equitable in my dealing with every man.

Drill Instructor Creed

These recruits are entrusted to my care. I will train them to the best of my ability.
I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of Corps and Country. I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, and professional skill.

Marine Corps Officer Oath

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

Other Service Creeds

Navy Creed (Current Version)

The current version of the Sailor's Creed was a product of many Blue Ribbon Recruit Training Panels in 1993 at the direction of Admiral Frank B. Kelso II, Chief of Naval Operations. It has been revised twice; once in 1994 under the direction of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jeremy Boorda, and again in 1997. These changes were made to make the creed inclusively descriptive of all hands. The creed is taught and recited in boot camp and officer accession programs.

Navy Creed (Previous Version)

I have chosen to serve in the United States Navy. America depends on my performance for her survival, and I accept the challenge to set my standards high, placing my country's well-being above self-interest. I will be loyal to my country, its Constitution and laws, and to my shipmates. I will be honest in my personal and professional life and encourage my shipmates to do the same. I will, to the best of my ability, do the right thing for its own sake, and I am prepared to face pain or death in defense of my country. I will be a professional, wearing my uniform with pride and accepting responsibility for my actions. I will set excellence as my standard and always strive for ways to make me a better sailor and my crew a better crew.

Army Creed

I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America, in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.