Every branch of the U.S. military has a creed that defines its values, from the Army's Soldier's Creed to the Space Force's Guardian Commitment. This guide gives you the complete, verified text for each branch's creed and NCO creed, plus when each was adopted, when it's recited, and what it means for service members today.
Military creeds are more than ceremonial words. They're compact statements of identity, passed down through recruit training and repeated at ceremonies, pinnings, and rites of passage throughout a service member's career. The Army's Soldier's Creed opens with "I am an American Soldier," the Navy's Sailor's Creed centers on "Honor, Courage and Commitment," and the Marine Corps' Rifleman's Creed turns a weapon into something closer to kin. Each one reflects what that branch asks of its people — and what its people promise in return.
This guide collects the full, verified text of the primary creed for each branch of the U.S. armed forces, along with the noncommissioned officer (NCO) creed where one officially exists. For branches where no separate official NCO creed has been published, we say so plainly rather than inventing one. For each creed, you'll find the complete text in a blockquote, followed by a short explanation of when it was adopted, when it's recited, and what it means in day-to-day military life.
If you've ever wondered how the Soldier's Creed differs from the Airman's Creed, or why the Marine Corps has both a Rifleman's Creed and an NCO Creed, this is your reference.
What Is the US Army Soldier's 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 Soldier's Creed was approved in 2003 as part of the Army's broader push to reinforce its Warrior Ethos. In fact, the four middle lines — "I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade." — are themselves known as the Warrior Ethos, a distinct statement nested inside the larger creed. The Soldier's Creed is taught during initial entry training and commonly recited at ceremonies and unit events throughout a soldier's career. In practice, it functions as a daily reminder that technical skill and personal toughness both matter, and that no soldier operates alone. According to Army.mil, the creed is even available as a printable poster, underscoring how central it is to Army culture.
What Is the US Army NCO Creed?
No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of noncommissioned officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind—accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!
This NCO creed predates the Soldier's Creed by three decades. It was drafted in 1973 by the NCO Subcommittee at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. SFC Earle Brigham, who helped write it, recalled structuring each paragraph to begin with the letters N, C, and O — spelling out the role it describes. The Army formalized the text in FM 22-600-20, The NCO Guide, on November 13, 1986. It's recited at NCO Academy graduations, NCO induction ceremonies, and dining-ins. Former Sergeant Major of the Army Jack L. Tilley summed up its purpose well, noting that noncommissioned officers are "the backbone of the Army and the reason our Army is the best trained, most professional, and most respected in the world."
What Is the US Navy 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.
The Sailor's Creed was written in 1993 by a Blue Ribbon Recruit Training Panel at the direction of Adm. Frank Kelso, then Chief of Naval Operations, and replaced an earlier creed that began "I have chosen to serve in the United States Navy." It was revised in 1994 under CNO Adm. Jeremy Boorda and again in 1997. The Sailor's Creed is "often recited like a pledge of allegiance" and is taught at boot camp and in officer accession programs, including the Officer Candidate School memorization packet. Its core values, "Honor, Courage and Commitment," later became the Navy's official core values, which shows how far this short creed's influence reaches beyond its five lines.
What Is the US Navy Chief Petty Officer Creed?
During the course of initiation, you have been caused to humbly accept challenge and face adversity. This you have accomplished with rare good grace. Pointless as some of these challenges may have seemed, there were valid, time-honored reasons behind each pointed barb.
Your faith in the fellowship of Chief Petty Officers was necessary to overcome these hurdles. The goal was to instill in you that trust is inherent with the donning of the uniform of a Chief. Our intent was to impress upon you that challenge is good; a great and necessary reality which cannot mar you – which, in fact, strengthens you.
In your future as a Chief Petty Officer, you will be forced to endure adversity far beyond what has thus far been imposed upon you. You must face each challenge and adversity with the same dignity and good grace you have already demonstrated.
By experience, by performance, and by testing, you have been advanced to Chief Petty Officer. In the United States Navy – and only in the United States Navy – the rank of E7 carries with it unique responsibilities and privileges you are expected to fulfill and bound to observe.
Your entire way of life is changed. More will be expected of you; more will be demanded of you. Not because you are an E7, but because you are now a Chief Petty Officer. You have not merely been promoted a paygrade, you have joined an exclusive fellowship and, as in all fellowships, you have a special responsibility to your comrades, even as they have a special responsibility to you. This is why we in the United States Navy may maintain with pride our feelings of accomplishment once we have attained the position of Chief Petty Officer.
Your responsibilities and privileges do not appear in print. They have no official standing; they cannot be referred to by name, number, nor file. They have existed for over 100 years, because Chiefs before you have freely accepted responsibility beyond the call of printed assignment. Their actions and their performance demanded the respect of their seniors as well as their juniors.
It is required that you be the fountain of wisdom, the ambassador of good will, the authority in personal relations as well as in technical applications. "Ask the Chief" is a household phrase in and out of the Navy.
You are the Chief. The exalted position you have achieved — and the word exalted is used advisedly — exists because of the service, character, and performance of the Chiefs before you. It shall exist only as long as you and your fellow Chiefs maintain these standards.
It was our intention that you never forget this day. It was our intention to test you, to try you, and to accept you. Your performance has assured us that you will wear "the hat" with the same pride as your comrades in arms before you.
We take a deep and sincere pleasure in clasping your hand, and accepting you as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy.
The Navy doesn't call this document an "NCO creed" since the Navy uses the chief petty officer structure rather than the Army's NCO terminology, but it serves the same function. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the specific responsibilities described "have existed for over 100 years," though the exact date this written text was adopted isn't established in available records. It's read aloud during the pinning and initiation of new chief petty officers, a tradition distinct from the Sailor's Creed in tone and purpose. Where the Sailor's Creed is a declaration every sailor recites, the Chief Petty Officer Creed is addressed directly to the new chief, marking the transition into what the Navy calls an "exclusive fellowship" of senior enlisted leadership.
What Is the US Air Force Airman's Creed?
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.
Gen. T. Michael Moseley, then Air Force Chief of Staff, introduced the Airman's Creed on April 18, 2007, replacing earlier Air Force creeds. Moseley wrote that one of his top priorities was to "reinvigorate the warrior ethos in every Airman of our Total Force" — a goal that echoes the Army's own Warrior Ethos language within the Soldier's Creed. The closing lines, "I will never falter, and I will not fail," draw directly on President George W. Bush's post-9/11 address. An official Air Force pamphlet describes the Airman's Creed as "a promise to both country and colleagues" and stresses that airmen need to learn its meaning, not just memorize the words. It's taught to recruits and commonly recited at Air Force ceremonies, much like the Soldier's Creed is in the Army.
Does the Air Force Have a Separate NCO Creed?
Unlike the Army and Marine Corps, the Air Force has no separate, officially published NCO creed. Research into official .mil sources did not turn up a verified Air Force-specific NCO creed text. Some Air Force units informally reference an "NCO Creed" that borrows the Army's wording, but this isn't an official Air Force document, so we won't present it as one.Â
What Is the US Marine Corps 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 I 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 strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage. I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will . . .
Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and I 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!
Maj. Gen. William H. Rupertus wrote the Rifleman's Creed, formally titled "My Rifle — The Creed of a United States Marine," and it was first published on March 14, 1942, shortly after Pearl Harbor. Rupertus, who later commanded the 1st Marine Division at Cape Gloucester and Peleliu before his death in 1945, wanted every Marine to understand that the rifle stood between them and death. Recruits traditionally memorized the Rifleman's Creed at Parris Island and San Diego; while strict memorization is no longer required, it's still published in recruit training materials. Gen. Alfred M. Gray Jr., the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, distilled its spirit into one line: "Every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman." The creed gained wider public recognition through its use in the film Full Metal Jacket.
What Is the US Marine Corps NCO Creed?
I am the backbone of the United States Marine Corps; I am a Marine Non-Commissioned Officer.
I serve as part of the vital link between my commander (and all officers) and enlisted Marines.
I will never forget who I am or what I represent.
I will challenge myself to the limit and be ever attentive to duty.
I am now, more than ever, committed to excellence in all that I do, so that I can set the proper example for other Marines.
I will demand of myself all the energy, knowledge and skills I possess, so that I can instill confidence in those I teach.
I will constantly strive to perfect my own skills and to become a good leader.
Above all, I will be truthful in all I say or do.
My integrity shall be as impeccable as my appearance.
I will be honest with myself, with those under my charge, and with my superiors.
I pledge to do my best to incorporate all the leadership traits into my character.
For such is the heritage I have received from that long, illustrious line of professionals who have worn the bloodstripe so proudly before me.
I must give the very best I have for my Marines, my Corps and my Country, for though today I instruct and supervise in peace, tomorrow I may lead in war.
The exact adoption date and author of the Marine Corps NCO Creed aren't established in available sources, so we won't guess at either. What's clear is its purpose: like the Army's NCO Creed, it frames noncommissioned officers as "the backbone" of their service, and it specifically invokes the "bloodstripe" — the red stripe worn on a Marine NCO's dress blue trousers — as a symbol of the heritage being carried forward. It's typically recited in NCO training and leadership development settings, reinforcing that Marine NCOs are expected to lead by personal example, not just position. The Marine Corps also maintains separate creeds for staff NCOs and drill instructors, reflecting how seriously the Corps treats each stage of enlisted leadership.
What Is the 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.
Vice Admiral Harry G. Hamlet, who served as Coast Guard Commandant from 1932 to 1936, wrote this creed. According to the Foundation for Coast Guard History, Hamlet first conceived of the idea while serving aboard the Revenue Cutter Tahoma on Bering Sea patrol, but he didn't put it to paper until after his 1938 retirement. It was first published in the Coast Guard Bulletin in April 1950, following a 1946 call in Coast Guard magazine for creed submissions that initially drew little response.Â
Does the Coast Guard Have a Separate NCO Creed?
The Coast Guard uses petty officer ratings rather than the Army's NCO rank structure, and research did not uncover a separate, officially published Coast Guard NCO creed. The Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman above is written to apply across all ranks, so it already serves the role an NCO creed would play elsewhere. Some unofficial Coast Guard chief petty officer materials reference a "Chief's Creed" with language similar to the Navy's Chief Petty Officer Creed, but this hasn't been verified as an official Coast Guard document.Â
What Is the Space Force Guardian Commitment?
Character: I will act with integrity, honesty, candor, and dedication to the team. I will be accountable to you and the team for my decisions and actions. I will uphold the highest standards and live our USSF values.
Connection: I will engage everyone with respect, honesty, and authenticity. I will encourage my teammates to share their thoughts and talents. I will give help when asked and seek assistance when I need it.
Commitment: I will work to achieve audacious goals, learning from my experiences. I will offer candid feedback when appropriate to facilitate growth and improvement. I will embrace challenges and work to be better tomorrow than I am today.
Courage: I will be steadfast and stand up for what is right. I will seek opportunities to innovate and encourage my teammates to do the same. I will share thoughts and ideas to help the team and the mission.
As the nation's newest armed service, the Space Force has no official creed in the traditional sense of the Soldier's Creed or Sailor's Creed. Instead, it published the Guardian Ideal in September 2021, which centers on the Guardian Commitment above — written specifically for team members, with a parallel version for team leaders. The commitment is built around four values: character, connection, commitment, and courage, each paired with three "I will" statements. The Guardian Ideal describes this framework as "aspirational" and notes that Guardians will be held accountable to it through the service's performance appraisal system.Â
Does the Space Force Have a Separate NCO Creed?
There's no separate Space Force NCO creed. What exists instead is the team-leader version of the Guardian Commitment, quoted above, which mirrors the team-member version but shifts the language toward developing others, maintaining trust, and championing ideas rather than simply contributing them. This leadership-facing version functions as the closest equivalent to an NCO creed in the Space Force today, though it applies to any Guardian in a leadership role, officer or enlisted.Â
Why These Creeds Still Matter
Reading these creeds side by side reveals a pattern: each branch distills its culture into something short enough to memorize but weighty enough to shape behavior for a whole career. The Soldier's Creed and Airman's Creed both lean on the language of warriors and teammates. The Rifleman's Creed ties identity to a single piece of equipment. The Sailor's Creed and Coast Guardsman's Creed emphasize duty and service above self. The NCO creeds, where they exist, narrow that same spirit down to a leadership promise — a commitment to put the needs of junior service members first.
If you're a service member, a family member, or simply researching military tradition, treat the texts above as a starting point rather than a final word. Creeds are occasionally revised, and individual units sometimes use informal variations. For the most current, service-specific wording, check directly with your branch's official training command or public affairs office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Soldier's Creed, and when was it adopted?
The Soldier's Creed is the U.S. Army's primary statement of identity and values, approved in 2003 as part of the Army's effort to reinforce its Warrior Ethos. It's taught during initial entry training and commonly recited at Army ceremonies.
Is the Warrior Ethos the same as the Soldier's Creed?
No. The Warrior Ethos is a four-line passage embedded within the Soldier's Creed — "I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade." — rather than a separate, standalone document.
Do all military branches have an official NCO creed?
No. The Army and Marine Corps have published official NCO creeds. The Navy uses a Chief Petty Officer Creed that serves a similar function. The Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force do not have a separate, officially verified NCO creed, though each has leadership-relevant language within its main creed or commitment statement.
Why doesn't the Space Force have an official creed?
The Space Force is the newest U.S. armed service, established in December 2019. Rather than a traditional creed, it introduced the Guardian Ideal and Guardian Commitment in September 2021, which the service itself describes as "aspirational" and still evolving.
Where can I find the official text of my branch's creed?
Official creed text is published on each branch's official site, such as army.mil for the Soldier's Creed and NCO Creed, or history.uscg.mil for the Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman. Always confirm current wording through official service channels, since minor updates can occur over time. And remember, these creeds are not the same as the Code of Conduct, which governs service members during time of war and captivity.