Navy SEAL Ethos and Code
In times of war or uncertainty, there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life. I am that man.
My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident, I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.
My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.
I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.
We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.
I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.
We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me — my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.
We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.
Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.
The SEAL Code
- Loyalty to Country, Team and Teammate
- Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield
- Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit
- Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates
- Excel as Warriors through Discipline and Innovation
- Train for War, Fight to Win, Defeat our Nation’s Enemies
Earn your Trident Every Day!
Quite a bit of your code could be applied to one’s daily conduct, even if your not a SEAL! Thanks
Great point! I think it would be a better world if everyone did live by this set of principles. Thanks for your comment.
Thank God there are men of courage and valor and wisdom who will stand for us when we cannot do so ourselves.. Thank you and all your fellow seals
Thank you for your comments and you support!
Yes, excellent code that many would do well to adopt, both in and out of service.
It reminds me of the Shotokan karate code, where similar ethics are promoted that would also apply, except one of the lines, can you guess which LOL.
Exert oneself in the perfection of character
Be faithful and sincere
Cultivate the spirit of perseverance
Respect proprietary
Refrain from impetuous and violent behaviour.
Nice correlation Martin! I’ve practiced Goju-Ryu for almost 30 years now, which is related to Shotokan.
As for the line that does not fit with the SEAL code, I can’t fine one. Unless you take out the “impetuous” before violent behavior. I think the last line means to think before you resort to violence, which of course we do. Was their another one?
That is truly an amazing code…SEALS kick ass (period).
We weren’t as brite in the Line Plattons… so they kept our short for us.
Locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, and to repel the enemy’s assault by fire and close-combat.
Semper Fi
^^ Yeah, Seals are awesome!!!
The photos are secondary – we want interesting banter, soulful argument, gripping channels of feedback bursting through your photos.