The Warrior Ethos
An ethos is simply defined as the
fundamental spirit or character of a culture.
It embodies an underlying sentiment that forms the beliefs, customs, or
practices of a group or society. An
ethos is often referred to as the moral element that drives a person’s actions over
their thought processes or emotions. In
other words, it is a learned set of values that speaks to the core of personal
convictions.
In the Greek ethos, the individual was
highly valued. The American military
ethos is defined by a diverse set of values and principles across service
spectrums that proudly reveal themselves with slogans, mantras, mission statements,
and phrases that capture the essence of who they are and the beliefs they each hold
close. The common link among them all is
service and excellence.
The call to service is an honor that less
than one percent of the American population has answered over the past
decade. It has been answered time and
again by those who make a difference by stepping in to experience the ethos of
the few who make a difference in the lives of the many. Each service volunteer is exposed to a common
set of values that combines individual experiences, personalities, abilities,
and ideals into a collective team of excellence defined by a common purpose.
The
Warrior Ethos takes the
American military ethos one step further.
It defines the one element that differentiates true warriors from poseurs. This common critical element is at the heart
of a warrior’s soul and is an integral part of what sets them apart from the
rest. It’s what personifies their nature
and willingness to persevere. The
Samurai called this element kokoro,
or, loosely defined, the indomitable human spirit. It is that intangible element that refuses to
give up. It is a conglomeration of
all of the virtues of a true warrior - courage, honor, conviction, loyalty,
integrity, and selflessness – supported by an immovable force of human resolve. Simply stated, the warrior is trained well, armed well, and mentally prepared to follow through with a mission and will not recede until it is complete.
The Warrior Ethos, therefore, is one that culls together the values of a service branch or specialty team, charges it with a mission, and supports it with tactical advantage, doctrinal principles, and the absolute best support infrastructure money can buy for maximum effect.
The reason we remain a free nation is due
in large part to the indomitable human spirit of the American Warrior Ethos. It’s that ethos that precedes our reputation
as the strongest warrior force on the planet, even still to this day.
Peace through strength, as President Ronald Reagan so eloquently phrased
and practiced, is what keeps our enemies second-guessing any attempts to test
the resolve of the greatest nation on earth.
Until next time!
- G -
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