Navy SEALs, US Marines Use Positive Human Traits for Success |
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By Steve Hammons Jan 25, 2007 |
The wide range of human traits we see today have
been with us throughout time and throughout the long evolution of the human
race. Although we know all too well about the negative characteristics
of our human species, let’s focus on some positive traits and virtues.
What positive human characteristics are worth exploring and cultivating?
Throughout human history this question has been asked and lessons have been
learned.
As part of an examination of this question, it may be worth looking at some
of the human traits and virtues emphasized by some of our best military
professionals, the U.S. Navy SEALs and the U.S. Marine Corps.
HUMAN VIRTUES ALL AROUND US
We do not need to be SEALs
or Marines to consider the value of these traits. Nor are SEALs and Marines
the only ones who own these characteristics.
Human virtues and positive characteristics are found in all walks of life
and in many kinds of people. SEALs and Marines
just try to tap into these positive human qualities that are available to
all of us.
It’s true that SEALs and Marines use these virtues to face life-and-death
combat situations and extremely challenging missions. In these scenarios,
SEALs and Marines must maintain strong and effective virtues and traits. Not
using them can mean mission failure or death.
However, the same kinds of virtues are around us every day. We see them in
family and friends, colleagues
and strangers we might run in to on a daily basis. We might read about
people who show these virtues or see something on TV
that demonstrates these traits. These positive traits can be found in the
people of many different countries and cultures. We might see them in grandparents
or in children and young people.
Part of the reason military groups like SEALs and Marines focus on certain
traits and virtues is so they can accomplish missions successfully and
survive in one piece.
However, another reason is the recognition that positive human development,
as individuals and teams, and as a species, has great value in and of
itself.
A NAVY
SEAL OFFICER’S VIEW
In an article written by former Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine for
NavySEALs.com back in 2004, certain human traits and values were examined.
Divine pointed out that Navy SEALs try to develop and use certain human
characteristics to achieve success on many levels.
Among the traits and virtues Divine touched on were drive, discipline,
responsibility, accountability, ambition, honor, integrity, flexibility,
creativity, discipline, learning and winning.
In his article, Divine pointed out that positive traits and virtues like
those listed above require practice and implementation every day to make
them part of our lives.
He explained that our efforts each day to tap into these traits in ourselves
and others will undoubtedly not be perfect. But, by learning them, keeping
them in mind and putting them into action, we will make continual progress.
MARINES EMPHASIZE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Besides these ideas from Divine’s experiences with the Navy SEALs, another
group in our military with a unique reputation is the U.S. Marine Corps. The
Marines are also known to utilize certain leadership principles and traits.
Marine Corps leadership traits include dependability (certainty of proper
performance of duty), bearing (creating favorable impression in carriage,
appearance and personal conduct), courage (mental quality that recognizes
fear of danger or criticism, but enables one to proceed with calmness and
firmness), decisiveness (ability to make decisions promptly and announce
them in clear, forceful manner), endurance (mental/physical stamina measured
by ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardship) and enthusiasm
(display of sincere interest and exuberance in performance of duty).
Additional Marine leadership traits include initiative (taking action in the
absence of orders), integrity (uprightness of character and soundness of
moral principles, including truthfulness and honesty), judgment (ability to
weigh facts and possible solutions on which to base sound decisions), and
justice (giving reward and punishment according to merits of the case
impartially and consistently).
And there are more: Knowledge (understanding of a science, art and the
range of one's information, including professional knowledge and an
understanding of fellow Marines), tact (ability to deal with others without
creating offense), unselfishness (avoidance of providing for one's own
comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others) and loyalty
(quality of faithfulness to country, the Corps, the unit, to one's seniors,
subordinates and peers).
Some principles of leadership used by Marines are also worth knowing about:
- Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
- Be technically and tactically proficient.
- Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.
- Make sound and timely decisions.
- Set the example.
- Know your Marines and look out for their welfare.
- Keep your Marines informed.
- Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
- Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
- Train your Marines as a team.
- Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.
DEPLOYING HUMAN VIRTUES IN A TROUBLED WORLD
This world of ours faces many very difficult challenges: Terrorism, war and
other bloody conflicts, crime, human insanity, disease, hunger, suffering,
poverty, injustice, degradation of our lands, oceans and wildlife... It’s
a depressingly long list sometimes.
And most, if not all of it, can be traced directly to human characteristics
and human behavior.
By learning more about positive human traits and virtues, such as those of
the Navy SEALs and United States Marines, maybe we take a step toward
winning this larger war. Winning the battle of human development.
And we just might end up as better human beings in a better world because of
our efforts.
http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272611202.shtml
www.sealtwo.org