Military bearing is the conduct and demeanor that reflects well on the armed services, conducted with dignity. It is a source of pride for those serving in the military and serves as an example for lower enlisted soldiers. It is the foundation for practicing discipline and ethics throughout military careers. Dependability is a crucial component of military bearing.
The ability to perform effectively in the workspace and be relied upon by coworkers and chain of command is impossible without dependability. Punctuality and reliability are essential for military members. Failing to possess these qualities not only obstructs the command’s mission but also impacts the entire Army. Being skilled in marching, standing at attention, parade rest, and other facing movements demonstrates the capability to follow orders accurately. It is crucial to show respect to senior officers to uphold good military order throughout the chain of command.
When a service member lacks military bearing, a negative counseling statement can be used to document and address the deficiency. This statement will provide thorough details about the problem and offer guidance for improvement. Additionally, counseling statements are often accompanied by Extra Military Instruction, which is a corrective measure taken for service members who have not exhibited proper military bearing. Discipline plays a crucial role in maintaining unity within a combat team, as it fosters unit cohesion and esprit de corps.
Military bearing is the foundation that soldiers adhere to in order to uphold discipline and ethics throughout their military tenure. Army regulations and the ethos of soldiers outline the behavioral expectations for service members in their daily lives, both on and off duty. Army core values encompass loyalty, duty, respect, commitment, honor, punctuality, reliability, integrity, and personal courage. Demonstrating courage involves defending one’s principles and ethical standards that the Army has instilled in them, even in the face of potential danger while on duty.
Courage is the foundation for controlling men in battle, derived from training and discipline. This type of courage enables a person in danger to follow orders instead of acting on their own will. Every soldier is compelled by discipline and pride to show courage, and for enlisted men and subordinate officers, fulfilling their duty with obedience is sufficient to demonstrate this courage. Their responsibility ends once they obediently follow orders.
Observing discipline is always connected to military habits, and how discipline is observed distinguishes a well-trained soldier. Duty entails accepting responsibility for one’s actions and the performance of subordinates. It also involves a leader taking the lead and anticipating needs based on the situation. Duty means completing assigned tasks to the best of one’s ability. Faithfully fulfilling duty is the benchmark for proper performance.
The value and efficiency of the soldier is not determined by the prominence of the duty they perform. In the United States NAVY, military bearing is practiced by every service member to maintain good discipline and ethics throughout their military careers. The Eleven General Orders of a Sentry, The Articles of the UCMJ, and our Sailors Creed guide the conduct of military service members on a daily basis, both on and off duty.
Dependability is a vital aspect of military bearing. Without dependability, individuals cannot effectively fulfill their duties or earn the trust of their colleagues or chain of command. Punctuality and reliability are critical characteristics for military personnel. The lack of these qualities not only hinders the mission of the command but also impacts the entire NAVY. From the moment they take the oath of enlistment, the NAVY instills in each individual’s life the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
The NAVY is built upon three foundational principles: honor, courage, and commitment. These principles shape the conduct and character of every service member. Honor refers to the responsibility and accountability one has to follow the directives of superior officers faithfully. Courage represents the strength to uphold personal beliefs and ethical standards instilled by the NAVY. Commitment embodies the devotion displayed by individuals in fulfilling their assigned duties. These core values are interconnected, as lacking any one value weakens the others. The NAVY’s military bearing is founded on these fundamental values.
Military bearing encompasses a wide range of regulations and principles that guide our daily lives as service members. These include maintaining a tidy and professional uniform, understanding proper facing movements, showing respect when addressing senior officers, and being punctual for General Quarters, quarters, or watch duty. The cleanliness of our uniform signifies our commitment to our responsibilities in serving our country. Inspections and award ceremonies also serve as evidence to our chain of command of the effectiveness of military bearing.
