- I will always place the mission first.
- I will never accept defeat.
- I will never quit.
- I will never leave a fallen comrade.
What It Means
Warrior Ethos
What is it’
The Army Warrior Ethos states, “I will always place the mission first, I will never accept defeat, I will never quit, and I will never leave a fallen comrade.” The Warrior Ethos is a set of principles by which every Soldier lives. In a broader sense, the Warrior Ethos is a way of life that applies to our personal and professional lives as well. It defines who we are and who we aspire to become.
What has the Army done’
The Army has worked to instill the Warrior Ethos in all our Soldiers by the way we train, live, and fight. Every Soldier that has entered into the Army family has been taught that the Warrior Ethos is rooted in Army values and founded on the premise that service to our nation is an honor and a responsibility that requires self-sacrifice-belonging to and giving to something larger than ourselves. This ethos has enabled our Soldiers to endure the rigors of combat and distinguish our Army on the battlefield by the character of our service.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future’
As the Army continues to operate in an era of persistent conflict, the principles of our Warrior Ethos will continue to serve as a foundation for Americans who volunteer to enter our ranks. Those individuals who join the Army will be bound to each other by integrity and trust and will quickly learn that every Soldier makes a difference every day. They will value learning and adapting at every level, particularly as it contributes to taking initiative. They will learn that the Army’s culture is one of selfless service and teamwork. They will find great gratitude in serving a profession dedicated to protecting the American people and our nation’s national interests.
Why is this important to the Army’
These principles bind us to those who served before us. Soldiers exuded the principles of the Warrior Ethos at Cowpens, Lundy’s Lane, Chapultepec, Little Round Top, San Juan Hill, Montfaucon, Krinkelt, Chipyong-ni, Dak To, Iraq, and Afghanistan. By embracing these time-honored principles, our Soldiers will maintain this ethos for those who will come after us. By maintaining and strengthening the Warrior Ethos, America’s Army has been and always will be the strength of the nation.
Reference: Army.mil