In the Marine Corps, values and virtues acquire a special meaning, and they combine with several other elements to become part of a strong spirituality. Spirituality and the Marine Corps would seem, on the surface, to be incompatible concepts. Battles, killing, and warfare – activities in which Marines excel – do not seem to have a place in discussions about spirituality. This chapter, however, explains in what ways spirituality is an integral part of the Marine Corps identity and is crucial to the success of the organization.
Values, spirituality, and the Marines
Marines believe that they enjoy a unique and special relationship with the American people. Marines have a strong perception that they are the “most” American institution and are proud to serve the American people, particularly in times of trouble. In the late 1950s Brigadier General Victor Krulak offered at least three main beliefs or values held by American people toward the Marine Corps.
First, they believe that when trouble comes to our country there will be Marines, who, through hard work, have made and kept themselves ready to do something useful about it and do it at once. They picture these Marines as men – individual components of a lean, serious professional outfit. Second, they believe that when the Marines go to war, they invariably turn in performance that is dramatically and decisively successful – not most of the time, but always. Their faith and their convictions in this regard are almost mystical. […]