San Diego -- No matter where you are in the world, ethics are intertwined to some degree in day-to-day life. While ethical codes may differ slightly from country to country, it is undeniable that ethics are an important part of society. In the Marine Corps, recruits are taught early in recruit training how and why Marines should live to a high ethical standard.
Recruits of Company H, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, received an hour-long class on combat and stateside ethics aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego March 6.
“Ethics are in everything we do,” said Capt. Michael J. Standafer, company commander, Co. H, 2nd RTBn. “Even in fire fights we still value our ethical principles and we never lose sight of what guides our decision making.”
During the class, recruits learned Marines do not attack civilians, torture prisoners, and learned about the overall collective ethics of the United States.
To further display the Marine Corps’ stand on ethics, Standafer showed the recruits a quote from the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
“Our core values do not diminish our ability to fight and win; indeed, ethical conduct on the battlefield is a combat multiplier,” as stated Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps.
Standafer cited mishaps in military history where ethical code was not followed and spoke of the consequences and negative impact it could have on the Corps. Standafer explained the importance of each Marine embodying an ethical code not just for themselves but for the Corps as well.
The weight of responsibility was not intimidating for many recruits. In fact, some believed it would be an honor.
“That’s the reason why I joined the Marine Corps; the high standards,” said Recruit Richard Luna Jr., Plt. 2161, Co. H, 2nd RTBn. “I heard the Marines are the best and I didn’t want to do anything less.”
Staff Sgt. Henry E. Rogel, drill instructor, Plt. 2161, Co. H, 2nd RTBn, explained one reason Marines live to a higher standard is because ethics add on to those Marines already have coming into the Corps.
“I believe this class is going to make my ethics stronger because the Marine Corps is adding on to what we have already learned from our families,” said Recruit Zachary A. Saenz, squad leader, Plt. 2166, Company H. “I expected to be held to a higher standard because my dad was in the Army and he was strict and I knew the Marines were more strict.”
Rogel believes the Marine Corps is an outstanding example of good ethics.
“The Marine Corps sets the standard on a lot of things and ethics is one of them,” said Rogel. “In the civilian world not everyone follows an ethical code. But if you were to lose your wallet around Marines, it would probably be a matter of time before someone gave it back to you.”