Service members working in rough terrain such as lifting an extra large truck tire, repelling out of a helicopter, and placing flags on graves in the snow.

Through training, indoctrination, example, and experience, Service members are exposed to the military ethos in subtle and direct ways. Military ethos (and its associated view of self and the world) serves to:

  • Emphasize the importance of teamwork.  Teamwork is the mortar of military operations, learned as a group experience in initial entry training and reinforced throughout military service by instilling the importance of selflessness, honesty, and loyalty. It bonds the various ranks and occupational specialties together and solidifies their determination to serve the nation, the service, and each other.
  • Infuse in each Service member a moral focus including the ability to make ethical decisions in situations that are morally ambiguous.
  • Instill a deep and enduring sense of loyalty and commitment to fellow Service members.

Assessing for this factor will allow a greater understanding of how reactions such as loss, shame, guilt, or betrayal can be uniquely powerful for Service members and Veterans.

Air Force Chief of Staff General T. Michael Moseley

"This warrior ethos exhibits a hardiness of spirit, and moral and physical courage."

— Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley (2007)