San Diego -- Graduating recruit training with the title “Marine” requires developing different types of leadership including mental, physical and moral. Core values classes are taught early in recruit training and are one of the primary ways used for recruits to develop leadership qualities.
Each platoon’s senior drill instructor leads the discussions by using their own life experiences and having the recruits analyze hypothetical scenarios using core values to find a solution.
Recruits of Company D, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, recruits discussed and analyzed the core value of courage aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Feb 27.
Recruits discussed different types of courage with Sgt. Joshua P. McGee, senior drill instructor, Platoon 1062, Co. D, 1st RTBn. McGee said the textbook definition of courage is “the moral, mental and physical strength to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.”
The main focus in this particular discussion was moral courage. According to McGee, moral courage is more than just right or wrong actions but having self-discipline.
“It takes moral courage to stand up and say ‘hey, that’s not right.’ Courage is doing the right thing when it may not be easy,” said McGee, a Sebring, Fla. native. “When faced with tough decisions you have to bring upon that moral courage. Courage is having self-discipline to do the right thing”
Moral courage is used every day by Marines in ensuring fellow service members are upholding standards, making good decisions and encouraging proper behavior and seeking self-improvement.
“It’s like the cowardly lion in the ‘Wizard of Oz.’ He wanted to be courageous. He wanted to change,” said McGee. “A positive change in our lives takes moral courage.”
Regardless of background, every Marine is expected to follow a set of core values; Honor, Courage and Commitment. For Recruit Maurice E. Edmonds, Plt.1062, Co. D, 1st RTBn, moral courage is a tool he constantly uses for guidance.
“It’s the strength to follow your code of conduct, your values, ethics, beliefs and decisions that you make regardless of what others say or think about them,” said Edmonds, a Santa Rosa, Calif. native. “I use moral courage as guidance for the billet I hold in my platoon, guide”
Recruits of Co. I have learned about moral courage, however, recruit training still holds plenty of challenges for them. They must muster strength and apply moral courage during their quest to become United States Marines.
“As moral courage gets stronger, it makes you a better person,” said Edmonds. “In turn it makes a better Marine.”