Military Matters
Welcome to Military Matters with Sergeant J. Hello, my name is Sergeant First Class Lawrence Jefferson II, but in the armed services everyone is pretty much known by their last name; so, I am known as Sergeant Jefferson. You can call me Sergeant (SGT) J. I am part of the wonderful community of Bonners Ferry located in the upper Panhandle of Idaho.
This column serves two purposes. First it is a column to keep the military community of Bonners Ferry informed of various military issues and respond to any issues that the veterans would like to discuss; military matters. Second this column is a window for the non-military citizen to become a little more acquainted with the military and veteran citizens beyond what is normally known; the military does matter.
I am a United States Army and Army National Guard veteran. I first joined the Army in 1989. I had a three year break in service from 2001 to 2004. During my time in the Army and Army National Guard
I have traveled to many different countries and served combat tours in Operation Desert Shield/Storm-Saudi Arabia/Iraq/Kuwait(1990-1991), Operation Iraqi Freedom-Iraq/Kuwait (2004-2005), and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan (2008-2009). I am by no means an expert on military culture, but I do understand it pretty well since I have been a member of it my entire adult life.
Before I go any further, I would ask that we take a moment and say thanks to all the service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our country, those service members who have passed on after a honorable service, and to remember those service members who are still missing or are prisoners of war.
Rules of Engagement:
There are a few ground rules that I need to present. This and future discussions are for things military. This discussion is for everyone. If I offend anyone or get some information wrong, please shoot me an email and I will work the issues and respond in kind.
Back to Matters
To start off we need to understand just who the people that this column is dedicated to are. Service members are a unique type of people. Whether we are American citizens currently serving, American veterans who have already served, service members born to another country, drafted, or volunteered; we are all part of one military culture. We all took the Oath. Understanding this culture is not very easy, but there are a couple of basic elements besides the Oath that we all share that I will impart in this article. Most all of us went through some type of basic training. This course serves to take us from civilian to service member, to teach us the ways of our particular branch of service; especially concerning the ways of war. It is during this time that we are given two things that are kept until the day we die; our creed and our song. Every branch of the service has its own creed and song and they are key to understanding what drives to guide many of us (not all unfortunately) and why there are differences depending on the branch (for some it is branches) we belong too. Some of the songs might have changed over the years, so the older veterans might not recognized some of the new versus; nonetheless, here are our Creeds and Songs. So, as I am Army I will start off with the Army’s creed and Song. Actually, the order of the services as per display of the order of their flags according to Department of Defense Directive 1005.8 of October 31, 1977 is Army, Marine Corp, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. During times of war, the Coast Guard serves under the Navy and its flag would move ahead of the Air Force.
ARMY
Soldier’s Creed:
I am an American soldier. I am a warrior and 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 am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. 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 Army Song:
March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free. Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory. We’re the Army and proud of our name! We’re the Army and proudly proclaim: First to fight for the right, And to build the Nation’s might, And The Army Goes Rolling Along. Proud of all we have done, Fighting till the battle’s won, And the Army Goes Rolling Along. Then it’s hi! hi! hey! The Army’s on its way. Count off the cadence loud and strong; For where’er we go, You will always know That The Army Goes Rolling Along. Valley Forge, Custer’s ranks, San Juan Hill and Patton’s tanks, And the Army went rolling along. Minute men, from the start, Always fighting from the heart, And the Army keeps rolling along. (same as above) (slower, more freely) Men in rags, men who froze, Still that Army met its foes, And the Army went rolling along. Faith in God, then we’re right, And we’ll fight with all our might, As the Army keeps rolling along. Then it’s hi! hi! hey! The Army’s on its way. Count off the cadence loud and strong; (two! three!) For where’er we go, You will always know That THE ARMY GOES ROLLING ALONG! (keep it rolling!) And THE ARMY GOES ROLLING ALONG!
MARINE CORP
Rifleman's Creed
Every Marine is first and foremost, a rifleman. This becomes evident in the first days of Marine Corps Recruit Training, as all recruits since World War II have learned to recite the Rifleman's Creed. This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. My rifle, without me, is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless. I must fire my rifle true. I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will… My rifle and myself know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make. We know that it is the hits that count. We will hit... My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories, its sights and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will... Before God, I swear this creed. My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life. So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace!
Marine Corp Hymm:
From the Halls of Montezuma, To the shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean: We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine. Our flag's unfurled to every breeze From dawn to setting sun; We have fought in every clime and place Where we could take a gun; In the snow of far-off Northern lands And in sunny tropic scenes; You will find us always on the job The United States Marines. Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life And never lost our nerve; If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven's scenes; They will find the streets are guarded By The United States Marines.
NAVY
The Sailor’s Creed:
I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment. I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.
As of the Summer of 2004, the verses taught at Navy Boot Camp are:
Stand, Navy, out to sea, Fight our battle cry; We'll never change our course, So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y. Roll out the TNT , Anchors Aweigh. Sail on to victory And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray! (most widely sung Verse) Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh. Farewell to foreign shores, We sail at break of day, of day. Through our last night on shore, Drink to the foam, Until we meet once more. Here's wishing you a happy voyage home.
AIR FORCE
Airman's Creed
This is the Airman's promise to country and colleagues. I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior: I have answered my nation’s call. I am an American Airman. My mission is to fly, fight, and win. I am faithful to a proud heritage, A tradition of honor, And a legacy of valor. I am an American Airman, guardian of freedom and justice, my Nation’s sword and shield, Its sentry and avenger. I defend my country with my life. I am an American Airman: Wingman, leader, warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter, and I will not fail.
Air Force Song:
Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun! (Give 'er the gun!)* Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one helluva roar!** We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!*** Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force! Additional verses: Minds of men fashioned a crate of thunder, Sent it high into the blue; Hands of men blasted the world asunder; How they lived God only knew! (God only knew then!) Souls of men dreaming of skies to conquer Gave us wings, ever to soar! With scouts before and bombers galore. Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force! Bridge: "A Toast to the Host" Here's a toast to the host Of those who love the vastness of the sky, To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly. We drink to those who gave their all of old, Then down we roar to score the rainbow's pot of gold. A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force! Zoom! Off we go into the wild sky yonder, Keep the wings level and true; If you'd live to be a grey-haired wonder Keep the nose out of the blue! (Out of the blue, boy!) Flying men, guarding the nation's border, We'll be there, followed by more! In echelon we carry on. Hey! Nothing will stop the U.S. Air Force!
COAST GUARD
Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman
I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman. I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world. I never, by word or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged. I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders. I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share. I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties. I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems. I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others. I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live. I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril. With God’s help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works... A UNITED STATES COAST GUARDSMAN
Coast Guard Song:Semper Paratus (Always Ready)
From Aztec Shore to Arctic Zone To Europe and Far East. The Flag is carried by our ships, In times of war and peace. And never have we struck it yet In spite of foe-men's might, Who cheered our crews and cheered again, For showing how to fight. We're always ready for the call, We place our trust in Thee. Through surf and storm and howling gale, High shall our purpose be. "Semper Paratus" is our guide, Our fame, our glory, too. To fight to save or fight and die, Aye! Coast Guard we are for you!
Back to Matters
Over the years I have come to boil down all our creeds and songs to a few common themes. We are proud; of ourselves and the Nation we serve. We will do our duty. We will fight and we will never quit fighting the fight. We will never leave a comrade. These qualities are part of a military community, from the greatest to the latest generation, that truly understands just what the price of freedom is. A freedom that is enjoyed by Americans; our Americans; our people.
Closing Matters
I hope you find Military Matters a somewhat good read. Located on the left of the page are useful links for the military community and citizens interested in anything military. In future articles we will continue our discussion of the military culture and matters. I thank you for taking the time to read this. Until next time.........
Please Send in Your Matters: You Matter
Please send me any military matters that you would like discussed and I'll try and get them in our pages. Also please send me any useful links that you want posted. Thanks. You can email me at: sergeantj@newsbf.com
