DEFINED BY OUR WORDS...

Right now there is a really good movie out at the theaters called ACT OF VALOR. This movie depicts our elite soldiers, Navy Seals, and what they do and go through. If you are a follower of golf there are rumors that the great Tiger Woods injured himself not too long ago while training with the Navy Seals. Now I completely understand the love and admiration that we as a country have for our soldiers that protect this wonderful country. But I wanted to look deeper into why? 

And then I found the why? It is right here in the philosophy of the SEALS...

"In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation's call; a common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America's finest special operations forces to serve his country and the American people, and to protect their way of life. I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes who have gone before, it embodies the trust of those whom I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident, I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans, always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates, and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish the mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of the mission depend on me — my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required, yet guided by the very principles I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail."  

Well no wonder men want to be them and athletes want to be around them. These men are defined by their words. And we in the fire service should take heed. If you read paragraph to paragraph you can make the similarities between their words and what ours should be. Please do not think that I am comparing our Navy Seals to Firefighters, I am merely saying MUST BECOME DEFINED BY OUR WORDS AS WELL...

HERE IS WHAT I BELIEVE OUR PHILOSOPHY IS, AM I ALONE?? 

Forged by adversity, I stand by my department's finest, to protect my city and its citizens and their property. I AM THAT MAN!. 

My badge is my symbol of honor and heritage, bestowed upon by those that have gone before me. My badge embodies the trust of citizens I am swore to protect. By wearing my badge I accept the responsibilities of my job and it's way of life. Wearing it is a privilege I must earn everyday.

My loyalty to my city, my department, and my company is beyond reproach. I am humbled to serve as guardian of this city, always ready to help those that are unable to help themselves. I do not seek recognition for my work and I voluntarily accept the hazards of this profession. I am willing to place the welfare and safety of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off duty. The ability to control my emotions and actions is what set me apart from others that applied. My integrity is uncompromised. My word is my bond.

I expect to lead and be led. When need be I will take charge and lead my company and complete the task at hand.

I will never quit. I thrive in adversity. My department, its citizens, expect me to be physically and mentally prepared all the time. If I get knocked down, I will get right back up. I will draw on every single ounce of strength and courage to protect my brothers and complete the task. 

I demand discipline. I expect innovation. The lives of my brothers depend on my skill, proficiency, and attention to detail. I will never stop training and learning.

We train for emergencies. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of my abilities in order to accomplish our task. My duties may be swift and sometimes dangerous, but always guided by the principles I swore to protect.

Brave men and women have died building the proud tradition and highly respected reputation I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, my brothers steady my resolve and will guide me. I will not fail.

SEE THE SIMILARITIES....THE DIFFERENCE IS THE SEALS ARE DEFINED BY THOSE WORDS.

LET US BE DEFINED BY OUR WORDS....