Creeds
The Soldier's Creed
The current version of the Soldier's Creed is a product of the "Warrior Ethos" program authorized by Army Chief of Staff Eric K. Shinseki in May 2003 and was written by Matt Larsen, a Ranger and founder of the US Army Combatives School. It was first presented to senior Army leaders on June 7, 2003. The Soldiers Creed was approved in its current format by the Army Chief of Staff Peter Schoomaker on the 24th of November of 2003. The introduction of the Soldiers Creed kicked off a campaign known as Task Force Soldier. This was a commitment by senior leadership to the soldiers of the Army. Task Force Soldier is a leadership commitment to soldiers ensuring that they are prepared for combat and embody the Warrior Ethos that is contained in the Soldiers Creed.
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
The Cadet Creed
The Cadet Creed is the official mission statement of the Reserve Officer Training Corps of the United States Army. The Creed is said at all dress functions, usually following the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
I am an Army Cadet.
Soon I will take an oath and become an Army Officer committed to defending the values which make this nation great.
Honor is my touchstone.
I understand mission first and people always.
I am the past -
The spirit of those warriors who have made the final sacrifice.
I am the present -
The scholar and apprentice soldier enhancing my skills in the science of warfare and the art of leadership.
But above all, I am the future -
The future warrior leader of the United States Army.
May God give me the compassion and judgment to lead and the gallantry in battle to win.
I will do my duty.
