USMC Core Values

Written Code of Ethics. The Marine Corps does not have a specific code of ethics written
succinctly into one document. Our written codes of “military ethics” exist in many forms and
documents. It is primarily a continuation of the unwritten practices accepted and advocated by
our society and supported by our legal system. In written form it exists in such documents as:
1) The Oath of Office
2) Commissioning Document
3) The Uniform Code of Military Justice
4) The Code of Conduct
5) The Code of Ethics for Government Employees
Unwritten Code of Ethics. There are many standards of conduct not found in any manual or
document. These are some of the time-honored traditions we learn as Marines. Ethical decision
making occurs every time a Marine is faced with a need to decide—now—what to do. It may be
a cut-and dry decision in garrison or it may be one on the battlefield far more ambiguous. At the
heart of a leader’s ability to choose correctly is a firm grounding in both institutional and
individual values that will point the correct direction, even when the Marine is tired or acting
under conditions of extreme stress.
“Special Trust and Confidence”.
a. A commission states the President of the United States has “special trust and confidence”
in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of an officer.
b. Special trust and confidence is based on natural presumptions Marine officers will
practice integrity, good manners, sound judgment, and discretion; and that they will do so
with honor and courage.
c. Specifically, the President reposes this special trust and confidence in four things:
a. Patriotism. Love and loyalty to one’s country.
b. Valor. It is courage in battle. No person can truly know the depth of one’s
personal courage until it is tested.
c. Abilities. Talents and skills each one of us possess.
d. Fidelity. Faithful devotion to duty.
d. Officers are typically granted special privileges; however, with these privileges come
special responsibilities and obligations.
Noblesse Oblige.
a. “Noblesse oblige” literally means nobility obligates. This concept originated in the
eighteenth and nineteenth century as men of positions saw that by virtue of their position,
it was incumbent upon them to render appropriate public service.
b. As officers, noblesse oblige is a principle that applies to personal behavior.
c. Officers who violate the code of their profession must expect to be punished. The rank or
position is not a shield from justice. The price officers pay for “special trust and
confidence” is exacting and unremitting personal accountability.
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