As we continue focusing on the importance of military core values, we will turn to two institutions called to serve during wartime.
The Merchant Marine transports domestic and international cargo and passengers during peacetime. It operates and maintains deep-sea merchant ships, tugboats, towboats, ferries, dredges, excursion vessels, charter boats, and other waterborne craft on the oceans. This includes the Great Lakes, rivers, canals, harbors, and other waterways. However, In times of war, the Merchant Marine can be an auxiliary to the United States Navy and can be called upon to deliver military personnel and equipment. Their first wartime engagement occurred in 1775 during the Revolutionary War. Their latest wartime activation was during the Vietnam War.
Their core values include:
• Respect: Promote an environment where inclusion, multiculturalism, and diversity are encouraged and valued. Communicate effectively and engage in healthy relationships. Maintain the highest level of professionalism regarding behavior and interpersonal skills.
• Honor: Be honest and trustworthy and maintain the highest level of integrity. Take responsibility and accountability for your actions and for those you lead. Demonstrate courage and stand up for the honor of others.
• Service: Generate the highest levels of trust, unity, and pride in all Academy undertakings. Consider the needs of others before your self-interest. Engage in leadership opportunities contributing to our Nation’s maritime and military interests and community.
Established in 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has many roles, including the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement, regulation, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and first responder. The Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities, broad jurisdiction, flexible operational capabilities, and a network of partnerships. However, they are primarily responsible for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and inland waterways.
Their core values are:
• Honor: Integrity is our standard. Our personal and organizational actions demonstrate uncompromising ethical conduct and moral behavior. We are loyal and accountable to the public trust.
• Respect: We value our diverse workforce. We treat each other and those we serve with fairness, dignity, respect, and compassion. We encourage creativity through empowerment. We work as a team.
• Devotion to Duty: We are professionals, military and civilian, who seek responsibility,
accept accountability, and are committed to achieving our organizational goals. We exist to serve. We serve with pride.
As you can see, each branch of service has many commonalities in its core values…honor, courage, integrity, commitment, respect, devotion, and leadership. Perhaps these morals and values lend themselves to creating more ethical organizations. In our next column, we will address some veteran-friendly employers who strive to hire our nation’s veterans.
