R 191800Z JUL 24
ALMAR 020/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/SPIRITUAL FITNESS//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Our 13th Commandant, General John A.   
Lejeune, remarked, “There is no substitute for the spiritual in war. 
Miracles must be wrought if victories are to be won, and to work 
miracles men’s hearts must be afire with self-sacrificing love for 
each other, for their units, for their division, and for their 
country.” Since our founding, General Lejeune and Marine Corps 
leaders have placed a high priority on the spiritual strength of 
Marines and Sailors to overcome the hardships of war.  Decades 
ago, our Marine Corps codified the Core Values of Honor, Courage, 
and Commitment.  The third Core Value charges leaders with caring 
for the “personal and spiritual wellbeing of their people.” Today, 
Marine Corps Total Fitness requires us to be physically, mentally, 
socially, and spiritually fit.  Focusing on these four areas is 
integral to the warfighter’s capacity to carry out the mission in 
peace and in conflict.
2.  Put succinctly, spiritual fitness is “inner strength from higher 
purpose.”  While grit and determination are crucial, Marines and 
Sailors find greater strength from looking beyond themselves to 
higher, more enduring sources of meaning and purpose.  We need 
something greater than self alone to meet the challenges of the 
“decisive decade” before us. 
3.  Spiritual fitness is drawn from various religious and non-
religious sources and practices for strengthening one’s inner self.
Some examples may include religious faith, community, the search for
meaning and significance, values and character development, and a 
shared sacrifice for a greater good.  Data shows those who engage in 
religious faith and / or spiritual practices are 60-80 percent less 
likely to take their own lives.  Those who participate in character 
formation demonstrate higher education outcomes, self-discipline, 
and integrity.  Spiritual fitness reinforces and sustains 
resilience and readiness across many fronts.   
4.  Commanders own spiritual fitness.  Chaplains are called, 
trained, and positioned to strengthen spiritual fitness among 
their people and help commanders steward this within the command.
5.  I join with leaders across our Corps in answering the charge to 
carry out this crucial responsibility of building the spirit of 
Marines, Sailors, and the families who support them. 
6.  Semper Fidelis, Eric M. Smith, General, U.S. Marine Corps, 
Commandant of the Marine Corps.//