The Seven Army Values
Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and
other soldiers.
Be loyal to the nation and its heritage.
The Decision at the Marias. The men thought the route
ran to the northwest up the Marias River, while both Lewis and Clark
thought the main river channel ran to the southwest. The men agreed
to go along with the decision of the captains to proceed to the southwest,
which was indeed the Missouri River.
Duty
Fulfill your obligations.
Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your
care.
Find opportunities to improve oneself for the good of the group.
Fulfilling the Letter and Intent of Jefferson's Order.
The Corps of Discovery never wavered from its mission. Additionally,
Lewis, Clark, and several of the men kept journals. Sergeant Ordway
was the only one to make daily entries.
Respect
Rely upon the golden rule.
How we consider others reflects upon each of us, both personally and
as a professional organization.
Diplomats with the Indians. The Corps of Discovery honored
with dignity and respect all the tribes it met, offering gifts as a
symbol of friendship and peace.
Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before
your own.
Selfless service leads to organizational teamwork and encompasses discipline,
self-control and faith in the system.
Adversity Along the Way. Hard physical labor characterized
every day, but the Corps of Discovery conquered every navigational hazard
and overcame a variety of physical ills - boils, blisters, bunions,
sunstroke, dysentery, fatigue, injuries, colds, fevers, snakebites,
ticks, gnats, toothaches, headaches, sore throats, bad mosquitoes, and
prickly pear cactus.
Honor
Live up to all the Army values
Importance of Character. Lewis and Clark were very thorough
in selecting only the best men for the mission - those who would work
together for the good of the group and pull their own weight.
Integrity
Do what is right, legally and morally.
Be willing to do what is right even when no one is looking.
It is our "moral compass" an inner voice.
Degree of Freedom. Many times the men were on their own
as the captains performed their duties. On the return trip, Lewis and
Clark divided the Corps of Discovery into five separate detachments
(under the commands of Lewis, Clark, Ordway, Gass, and Pryor) to accomplish
independent missions. Only two men were discharged from the expedition
- Reed for desertion and Newman for mutinous conduct.
Personal Courage
Our ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral
courage.
Into the Unknown. The men of the Corps of Discovery left
not knowing what lay ahead or if they would ever return. Throughout
the journals one phrase stands out - "we proceeded on." This
clearly characterizes the spirit of the expedition.