Army Traditions

Army Traditions

Creeds

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.

I am an Airborne trooper! I jump by parachute from any plane in flight. I volunteered to do it, knowing full well the hazards of my choice.

I serve in a mighty Airborne Force – famed for deeds in War – renowned for readiness in peace. It is my pledge to uphold its honor and prestige in all that I am – in all I do.

I am an elite trooper – a sky trooper – a spearhead trooper.

I blaze the way to far flung goals – behind, before, above my country’s enemy’s front lines.

I know that someday I may have to fight without support for days on end. Therefore, I keep my mind and body always fit to do my part in any Airborne mission. I am self reliant and unafraid. I shoot true, and march fast and far. I fight hard and will excel in everything I do just in case of war.

I will never fail a fellow paratrooper. I cherish the sacred trust and the lives of men with whom I serve. Leaders have my fullest loyalty, and those who I lead will never, never find me lacking.

I have pride in being Airborne! I will never let it down! In peace, I do not shrink from the dullest duty nor protest the toughest training. My weapon and equipment will always be combat ready. I will be neatly dressed, show courtesy and watch my behavior in a proper Airborne military manner.

In battle, I fear no enemy’s ability, nor underestimate his ability, power or threats. I will fight him with all my might and skills – staying alert to avoid traps and try to escape if I should ever be captured. I will never surrender while I still have the means to fight, though I may be the last paratrooper.

My goal in peace and war is to succeed in any mission of the day or night, even though I may die doing so. For I belong to a proud and glorious team…

The AIRBORNE, the ARMY, my Country – the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I am its chosen few, I volunteer to fight where others may not want to go or serve.

I am a trooper of the sky! I am my Nation’s best! In peace and war I will never fail, Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere…I am Airborne!

I volunteered as a parachutist, fully realizing the hazard of my chosen service and by my thoughts and actions will always uphold the prestige, honor and high esprit-de-corps of parachute troops.

I realize that a parachutist is not merely a Soldier who arrives by parachute to fight, but is an elite shock trooper and that his country expects him to march farther and faster, to fight harder, and to be more self-reliant than any other Soldier. Parachutists of all allied armies belong to this great brotherhood.

I shall never fail my fellow comrades by shirking any duty or training, but will always keep myself mentally and physically fit and shoulder my full share of the task, whatever it may be.

I shall always accord my superiors fullest loyalty and I will always bear in mind the sacred trust I have in the lives of the men I will accompany into battle.

I shall show other Soldiers by my military courtesy, neatness of dress and care of my weapons and equipment that I am a picked and well trained Soldier.

I shall endeavor always to reflect the high standards of training and morale of parachute troops.

I shall respect the abilities of my enemies, I will fight fairly and with all my might, surrender is not in my creed.

I shall display a high degree of initiative and will fight on to my objective and mission, though I be the lone survivor.

I shall prove my ability as a fighting man against the enemy on the field of battle, not by quarreling with my comrades in arms or by bragging about my deeds.

I shall always realize that battles are won by an army fighting as a team, that I fight first and blaze the path into battle for others to follow and to carry the battle on.

I belong to the finest unit in the world. By my actions and deeds alone, I speak for my fighting ability. I will strive to uphold the honor and prestige of my outfit, making my country proud of me and of the unit to which I belong.

I am an Army Cadet. Soon I will take an oath and become an Army Officer committed to Defending the values which make this nation great. Honor is my touchstone. I understand Mission first and People always.

I am the Past- the spirit of those warriors who made the final sacrifice.

I am the Present- the scholar and apprentice soldier enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art of Leadership.

But above all, I am the Future- the future Warrior Leader of the United States Army. May god give me the compassion and judgment to lead and the gallantry in battle to Win.

I Will Do My Duty

I am a Drill Sergeant

I will assist each individual in their efforts to become a highly motivated, well disciplined, physically and mentally fit soldier, capable of defeating any enemy on today's modern battlefield.

I will instill pride in all I train.
Pride in self, in the Army, and in country. I will insist that each soldier meets and maintains the Army's standards of military bearing and courtesy, consistent with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

I will lead by example, never requiring a soldier to attempt any task I would not do myself. But first, last, and always, I am an American Soldier. Sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.

I am a Drill Sergeant.

Soldiers and their families are the most important people entering our facilities.

They are not an interruption of our work, they are the purpose of it.

We are not doing them a favor by serving them. They are entitled our service.

Soldiers and family members are not cold statistics.

They are flesh and blood human beings with feelings and emotions like our own.

We are here to serve the medical needs of this military community.

It is our pleasure to do this as expeditiously as possible

Take care of the soldier and their family.

That’s why we are here.

No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as “The Backbone of the Army.” I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers, and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service, and my country; regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watch-word. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind: Accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer, I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers, and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers, and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone Survivor

Special Forces Insignia

I am an American Special Forces Soldier!

I will do all that my nation requires of me. I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession.

I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me. I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of their legacy, in all that I am – in all that I do.

I am a warrior. I will teach and fight whenever and wherever my nation requires. I will strive always to excel in every art and artifice of war.

I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices. With the help and guidance of my faith, I will conquer my fears and succeed.

I will keep my mind and body, clean, alert and strong. I will maintain my arms and equipment in an immaculate state befitting a Special Forces Soldier, for this is my debt to those who depend upon me.

I will not fail those with whom I serve. I will not bring shame upon myself or Special Forces.

I will never leave a fallen comrade. I will never surrender though I am the last. If I am taken, I pray that I have the strength to defy my enemy.

I am a member of my Nation’s chosen soldiery. I serve quietly, not seeking recognition or accolades. My goal is to succeed in my mission – and live to succeed again.

De Oppresso Liber!

I am an American fighting in the forces that guard my country and our way of life, I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades.

If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies.

I will never forget that I am an American fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free.

I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.


AR 350-30 covers the Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct applies to all members of the U. S. Armed Forces, at all times.
There are six (6) articles in the Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct was established 17 August, 1955 by President Eisenhower.
The Code of Conduct was ammended in 1988.
The legal authority supporting the Code of Conduct is The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

 

Prayers

Treat me with respect, Sergeant.
For no heart in all the world is more loyal than the heart of an
American soldier.
Do not beat my spirit with your words, Sergeant.
For though I will do what you demand, your guidance, patience,
And understanding will more quickly teach me to
“Be, Know, and Do.”

Speak with me often, Sergeant. For the praise and counseling you
give is expected.
I am an American Soldier, expecting to be trained. Discipline must be
a part of my life.
Train me for the elements, Sergeant.
For I must learn to fight and win in the cold, the wet, and the desert.
Those who would be enemies will use these elements.
I must be prepared.

I ask no greater glory, Sergeant, than to defend our country and our way of life,
against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Allow me that privilege, Sergeant…..train me.
Provide me the necessities of food and drink, Sergeant.
Train me to be self sufficient, that I may lead the way, and stand ready, willing and able
to protect you, with my life if necessary, should your life be in danger.

Train me, Sergeant, that one day I too can be called Sergeant,
Trainer of soldiers,
Backbone of the Army. Train me to accept those responsibilities that are yours.
Train me to train my soldiers to be the greatest defenders of freedom in the world.
Sergeant, train me to be a Sergeant.
I shall leave this Army knowing, with my last step and my last breath, that my fate was always safest in your hands
Sergeant, train me
That I too can earn the title “Sergeant".

Frank M. McMahon
Sergeant Major

I have fought when others feared to serve.
I have gone where others failed to go.
I've lost friends in war and strife,
Who valued Duty more than love of life.

I have shared the comradeship of pain.
I have searched the lands for men that we have lost.
I have sons who served this land of liberty,
Who would fight to see that other stricken lands are free.

I have seen the weak forsake humanity.
I have heard the traitors praise our enemy.
I've seen challenged men become even bolder,
I've seen the Duty, Honor, Sacrifice of the Soldier.

Now I understand the meaning of our lives,
The loss of comrades not so very long ago.
So to you who have answered duties siren call,
May God bless you my son, may God bless you all.

Lewis Millett

I have fought when others feared to serve.
I have gone where others failed to go.
I've lost friends in war and strife,
Who valued Duty more than love of life.

I have shared the comradeship of pain.
I have searched the lands for men that we have lost.
I have sons who served this land of liberty,
Who would fight to see that other stricken lands are free.

I have seen the weak forsake humanity.
I have heard the traitors praise our enemy.
I've seen challenged men become even bolder,
I've seen the Duty, Honor, Sacrifice of the Soldier.

Now I understand the meaning of our lives,
The loss of comrades not so very long ago.
So to you who have answered duties siren call,
May God bless you my son, may God bless you all.

Lewis Millett

Dear God,

I am proud to be wed to one who defends freedom and peace.
My challenges are many and I pray for your love and guidance to meet them.
Special to me are the symbols representing my religion, country, community and home.

I pray for the wisdom and grace to be true to their meaning.
You are the symbol of my religious beliefs and the source of my strength.
Because my life is full of change I cherish the solid and constant spiritual foundation that you provide.
Help me Lord, to be an example of your teachings.

My national flag represents freedom.
Let me never forget, or take for granted, the hope it shows to the world.
Bless those who have made sacrifices for freedom.
As I enter the gateway to a military community, guide me to reach out to others and keep it a wholesome place.
May my charity be given without thought of personal rewards.

My wedding ring represents eternity and never ending love.
Let me celebrate all of the joys of our togetherness and find comfort in them during times of separation.
I pray also we are spared the ultimate sacrifice of duty to country.

My house is a symbol of our family and its unity.
It is the place where we share memories of the past and build dreams of the future.
Make willing my heart and hands to do even the smallest tasks that will make our house a better home.

Thank you God for daily being with us as we live in the Army.
Please grant us your continued blessings, increased strength and infinite guidance, as we live to your honor and glory.
AMEN

Almighty God, father of every human soul, we pause to acknowledge that there is a Higher Power, and before whom we bow in gratitude and praise for the countless blessings which we enjoy, and for the knowledge that this world is not chaos and chance – but orderly and dependable.

We wish to offer thanks and gratitude for this, our Association; for the high ideals by which and through which it was created.

May our officers be granted Thy Blessings and guidance in promoting those actions which shall be a blessing to all mankind.

May we as members feel that we, too, are called to use our powers to aid and assist these worthy causes and that our daily lives may be an inspiration to others to give their best so that our beloved country shall continue to be a power for peace.

It is with gratitude that we remember those who have made our country and fashioned it to be a land of liberty and justice: May we always remember those men and women, and our comrades, who have in the name of patriotism, offered their blood that this liberty and justice should not perish from the earth.

Divinely guide us this day and in the days to come that we may be worthy of all the sacrifices that have been made for us.

Amen.

Almighty God, Who art the Author of liberty and the Champion of the
oppressed, hear our prayer.

We the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the
preservation of human freedom. Go with us as we seek to defend the
defenseless and to free the enlsaved.

May we ever remember that our nation, whose oath "In God We Trust"
expects that we shall acquit ourselves with honor,that we may never bring
shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men

Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from thine heart, and protection
by Thine hand. It is for Thee that we do battle, and to Thee belongs the victor's
crown, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and Glory forever.
AMEN

 

Songs & Poems

"The Army Goes Rolling Along"

Verse:

March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free.

Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.

We’re the Army and proud of our name!

We’re the Army and proudly proclaim:

First Chorus:

First to fight for the right,

And to build the Nation’s might,

And the Army goes rolling along.

Proud of all we have done,

Fighting till the battle’s won,

And the Army goes rolling along.

Refrain:

Then it’s hi! hi! hey!

The Army’s on its way.

Count off the cadence loud and strong;

For where’er we go,

You will always know

That the Army goes rolling along.

Second Chorus:

Valley Forge, Custer’s ranks,

San Juan Hill and Patton’s tanks,

And the Army went rolling along.

Minute men, from the start,

Always fighting from the heart,

And the Army keeps rolling along.

Refrain:

(same as above)

Third Chorus:

(slower, more freely)

Men in rags, men who froze,

Still that Army met its foes,

And the Army went rolling along.

Faith in God, then we’re right,

And we’ll fight with all our might,

As the Army keeps rolling along.

Refrain:

Then it’s hi! hi! hey!

The Army’s on its way.

Count off the cadence loud and strong; (two! three!)

For where’er we go,

You will always know

That the Army goes rolling along! (keep it rolling!)

And the Army goes rolling along!

I am the flag of the United States of America.

My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom. I am confident.
I am arrogant. I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher,
My colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.
Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I was there. I led my troops.
I was dirty, battleworn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries
I have helped set free. It does not hurt for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of earth and
stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have born silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battle field,
when I am flown at halfmast to honor my soldier,
or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.
I am the flag of the United States of America.

Originally entitled, My Name is Old Glory by Howard Schnauber
© 1994 the author [Mr. Schnauber has given permission to the public to use this poem for program or publishing purposes. Please credit the Fort Collins Public Library Local History Archive, Oral History Interview of Mr. Howard Schnauber, the author.] 

I am your flag.
I am not a pennant, but a purpose;
not a standard, but a symbol;
not a banner but a belief.

I was conceived in justice,
fostered by the love of liberty,
and nourished by the desire for freedom.
I am not a flag, but your Flag.

My fate is in your hands.
I can rise equal to your highest hopes.
I am indicative of your ideals
and symbolic of your sacrifices in the preservation of Liberty,
Freedom and Justice.

I am not a substance, but a shadow:
The heroic spirit
of all the great Americans...
of Washington and Wayne,
of Jefferson and Jones,
of Calhoun and Carver.

I flew as proudly at Charleston as at Concord,
at San Antonio as at San Juan Hill,
at Iwo Jima as at Independence Hall.

I am a composite of a Nation's ideals
and a denotation of its desires.
I am Old Glory.....
The Star spangled Banner....
the Red, White and Blue.

I am what you believe me to be,
and am nothing more.
Love and respect me,
then Freedom, Liberty, and Justice live.

Neglect me and we perish together.
I am YOUR FLAG.
My fate is in your hands.

Author Unknown

It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Charles M. Province

 

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