Many people know of the Rifleman’s Creed from the movie “Full Metal Jacket”, in the scene where the recruits had to recite it from their bunks in boot camp. Written in 1942 by Marine General William H. Rupertus, the creed represents a key element of the unique warrior culture that permeates the Marine Corps. We call this “Warrior Ethos.”
“Ethos: the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution.”
– Merriam-Webster Dictionary
General Rupertus wrote the Rifleman’s Creed at the start of WWII because he needed his Marines to understand “that the only weapon which stands between them and Death is the rifle…” He wanted his Marines to view their rifles not merely as a tool of war, but as a close companion in combat.
To a large extent, he succeeded. The creed that he wrote became a cornerstone of Marine Corps culture…
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The Tactical Hermit 