In his work On Sparta, Plutarch writes about Agesilaus, King of Sparta from 400 to 360 BC.
He reports that when someone asked why Sparta lacked fortification walls, the king replied:
“Cities shouldn’t be fortified with stones or timbers but with the valour of their inhabitants.”
Valor, Courage, and Discipline are just a few of the ideals that stand the test of time – whether you are talking about civilian or military life.
Mottos are more than just words on a wall. They are words that must be lived.
Military teams throughout history have adopted great mottos.
While the Marine Corps was founded in 1775 during the Revolutionary War, their motto was not established until 1883.
Semper Fi, or “Always Faithful,” symbolizes the core values of the Marines which include honor, courage and commitment. It also demonstrates their loyalty to the United States and to their fellow teammates.
As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the U.S. Army’s motto is steeped in a long history of service.
“This We’ll Defend” was first used by the War Office of the Continental Army during the American Revolution in 1778.
Special projects require special forces made up of special people.
The U.S. Army Special Forces is no different. They are small teams of highly skilled and motivated individuals.
Their motto De Oppresso Liber – to Free the Oppressed captures their willingness to go to great lengths to help partner forces around the world.
Don’t let the talk of revolution and war offices fool you, even the British have some solid mottos.
The British SAS (Special Air Service) understands that “Who Dares Wins.”
The Royal Navy’s motto is derived from an ancient Roman author: “Si vis pacem, para bellum.” It translates to “If you wish for peace, prepare for war.”
Even more direct, Force Recon Marines officially have adopted the motto of being “Swift, Silent, Deadly.”
Unofficially they work from the motto of: “Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You.”
Regardless of you and your team’s motto, the words matter little. It is what you do on a daily basis to live your values that matter most. Mottos are important to align the team behind a higher purpose.
But no purpose matters without swift actions.
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “do more.”
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