By Danielle DeSimone
You may know what the six branches of the military do, but what do they stand for? A military motto is more than just a joke—it's a symbol of history and legacy of service to that nation. Each one is unique and demonstrates the core values of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Forces.
So what are the six mottos of the military? Here is a breakdown of each as well as the USOs.
US Army: "We will defend this"
As the oldest branch of the US military, the US Army motto is steeped in a long history of service to this country.The sentence "We will defend that" wasfirst used by the Continental Army's War Departmentduring the American Revolution in 1778.
Photo credit US Institute of Heraldry
The army motto "This We'll Defend" is featured in the army flag and emblem on the scroll above the serpent.
Today the motto can be found on theofficial flag of the US Armyas well asDepartment of the ArmyEmblem. In these images, "This We'll Defend" is depicted on a scroll held by a rattlesnake, a symbol used on many colonial American flags during the Revolutionary War.This means the Army's constant willingness to defend and preserve the United States for the last 200+ years.
US Marine Corps: "Always Faithful" - Immer treu
Das Motto of the US Marine Corps"Always conscientious,"is legendary. However,"Semper Fi" (how it's shouted, cheered, or used as a greeting) isn't just a motto for the Marines — it's a way of life. The phrase is Latin for "always loyal" and embodies the eternity of the Marine CorpsCommitment to her two naval colleaguesand the United States.
Picture credits DVIDS/Cpl. Frank Cordoba
Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand in parade rest before a command assignment at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps motto "Semper Fidelis" has become legendary because it embraces the values of the Navy.
Since the motto's inception in 1883, it has become particularly well known for its depiction of the unwavering loyalty of Marines to one another. This bond can be seen not only among those currently serving in the same unit, but also between Navy veterans who are meeting for the first time years after their service."Semper Fidelis" represents the unwavering dedication that Marines must always fight on behalf of this nation, and alongside the few, the proud, the Marines.
US Navy: Undetermined
Technically the US Navyhas no official motto, and there's even disagreement over what his unofficial motto might be. Some sources claim that the unofficial motto is"Not for himself, but for his country"– Latin for “Not self but country”, a phrase written above the chapel doors of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. This unofficial motto evokes the spirit of sacrifice that so many Sailors and members of our armed forces carry through their service.
Photo credit DVIDS/Jacob Moore
Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington stand ready to man the rails. Although there is no official US Navy motto, multiple sources claim that there are "unofficial" mottos for the industry.
Some mistakenly assume that the title of the US Navy's unofficial song, "Anchors Aweigh," is their motto, which it isn't. Other sources claim so"Always strong"– Latin for “always brave”– is the unofficial motto of the Navy; considering thatThe Navy was founded in the 18th centuryWhen sailing in a navy required venturing into the unknown of the vast oceans, some of which remain unexplored, this emphasis on courage seems appropriate.
Regardless of which unofficial motto is truly appropriate, the U.S. Navy today continues to stand by the ideals of all those unofficial mottos and fearlessly serves the United States at home and abroad.
US Air Force: "Aim High...Fly - Fight - Win"
FormalAdopted in 2010,The motto of the U.S. Air Force "Aim High...Fly-Fight-Win" is both a call to action and a promise of response. The Air Force is always pushing itself to new heights (no pun intended) and expects its aviators to do the same.
Photo credit DVIDS/Senior Airman Christine Groening
The US Air Force's F-35 Lightning IIs fly in formation, a clear representation of the industry motto: "Aim High...Fly-Fight-Win."
The motto was chosen by the Airmen themselves through an Air Force-wide poll, in which they told then-Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and other Air Force leaders that they wanted an inclusive motto that honored the The Air Force's culture of diversity, plus a motto that truly expressed what it means to be an Airman. "Aim High...Fly-Fight-Win" does just that, honoring the legacy of the U.S. Air Force while also giving current-duty Airmen something to strive for.
US Coast Guard: "Semper Paratus" - Always ready
For a military branch on call 365 days a year to protect the waterways and people of the United States, that's the motto"Always ready,"that means "always ready",seems particularly appropriate. There are some stories about how the Coast Guard got their motto - some say it was thanks to themHauptmann Francis Saltus van Boskerck, who wrote the words to the "Semper Paratus" marching song for the United States Revenue Cutter Service, the forerunner of the Coast Guard, aboard the USRC Yamacraw.
Photo credit US Institute of Heraldry
The U.S. Coast Guard motto "Semper Paratus" represents the department's constant readiness to preserve and protect the United States.
Others say that The New Orleans Bee newspaper gave the branch the title in 1836 to commend USRC Ingham's actions along the Texas coast. And there are some who say the origins are still a mystery - butit's the feeling behind the sentence that matters.Regardless of rough waters, challenging marine rescues, or long hours ensuring national security, the US Coast Guard is always ready to respond.
US Space Force: "Semper Supra" - Always on top
The newest of the six branches of the U.S. military, the U.S. Space Force, recently unveiled their new motto, theis a tribute to his roots in the US Air Forceas well as the future of the industry in space.„Always on top' is Latin for 'always on top';The word "always" was chosen because, just as space is infinite in time and depth, so is the Space Force's commitment to uncompromising protection and surveillance of space and US satellites. "Above" was chosen to symbolize both the act of looking up and questioning what is beyond in space, as well as the Space Force's value for excellence.
Photo credit US Space Force
The motto of the U.S. Space Force “Semper Supra” is Latin for “Always Above” – it stands for the department's protection of US satellites and international space.
"Our citizens will rest easier"Airman 1st Class Daniel Sanchez, who created the motto, said. "To know that there is always a sign above them."
The many mottos of the USO
Founded in 1941 at the outbreak of World War II, USO has had multiple mottos over the years, each of which shaped how our organization educated the American people about how USO — a non-profit military support organization — supports service members and your families.But a common theme in all of these mottos is USO's constant closeness to our troops and our unwavering commitment to the military community, wherever their service takes them.
Photo credit USO Photo
Of the many mottos and campaigns that USO has conducted over the years, one theme has remained constant: our nonprofit organization's unwavering support for American service members and military families.
Finally, as our mission states, “USO empowers American service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation.”
- “A home away from home” around 1941-1951
- “Wherever They Go” circa 1958-1970
- "Service is our middle name" (1979-1980)
- "Always at Home" (circa 1991)
- "We Deliver America" (circa 1999-2001)
- "Always by her side" (2013)
- Be himPower behind the forces®(2018)
FAQs
What are some military mottos? ›
- “The Worst is Yet to Come” – 1st Special Service Force. ...
- “Retreat, Hell” – 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. ...
- “De Oppresso Liber” – U.S. Army Special Forces. ...
- “Who Dares, Wins” – SAS. ...
- “Death Waits in the Dark” – 160th SOAR. ...
- “Surprise, Kill and Vanish” – Jedburghs.
U.S. Army: “This We'll Defend”
As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the U.S. Army's motto is steeped in a long history of service to this country. The phrase “This We'll Defend” was first used by the War Office of the Continental Army during the American Revolution in 1778.
Latin for “Always Faithful,” Semper Fidelis is the motto of every Marine—an eternal and collective commitment to the success of our battles, the progress of our Nation, and the steadfast loyalty to the fellow Marines we fight alongside.
What is the motto of Army Navy and Airforce? ›| Military Unit | Motto | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Army | "Sewa Paramo Dharma" | Service is our prime duty |
| Indian Air Force | "Nabha sprsham deeptam" | "Touch the sky with glory" |
| Indian Navy | "Sham-no Varuna" | "May the Lord of the oceans be auspicious unto us" |
| Corps of Army Air Defence | "Aakasey satrun jahi" | "Win over the enemy in the sky" |
The name comes from the motto of US Army Special Operations Command: Sine Pari – Without Equal. Delta Force's professional demeanour, secrecy and high success record have earned them its place as the premier Special Mission Unit of the Army and the United States military as a whole.
What is the motto of the infantry? ›...
| Indian Navy | |
|---|---|
| Motto(s) | शं नो वरुणः (Sanskrit) Shaṁ No Varunaḥ (ISO) transl. 'May the Lord of Water be auspicious unto us' |
| Colours | Navy blue, gold and white |
The motto "Rangers Lead the Way" has proven true for more than 60 years. Since the first group of handpicked volunteers was activated in World War II, Rangers have led the way on more than 50 military campaigns, including operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
What is the motto of the Coast Guard? ›Semper Paratus - Always Ready. That is our Coast Guard motto. The Coast Guard is one of our nation's five military services.
What is the Green Berets motto? ›From humanitarian assistance and training of indigenous forces, to direct action and special reconnaissance missions, U.S. Army Special Forces “Green Beret” Soldiers live up to the U.S. Army Special Forces motto: De Oppresso Liber “To Free The Oppressed”.
What does the Air Force say instead of Semper Fi? ›
The U.S. Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis” – “Always Faithful.” The U.S. Coastguard's is “Semper Paratus” – “Always Ready.” The U.S. Air Force motto is “Aim High... Fly-Fight-Win,” and one of the U.S. Navy's unofficial mottos is “Semper Fortis” – “Always Courageous.”
What is the armor branch motto? ›The motto of the U.S. Army's armor branch is “The Combat Arm of Decision.” Equipped with tanks and supported by infantry, artillery, helicopters, and air forces, armor units close with and destroy enemy forces using maneuver, protected firepower, and shock.
What is the motto of the 1st Marine Division? ›"Once a Marine, always a Marine!" (MSgt Paul Woyshner, a 40-year Marine, is credited with originating this expression during a taproom argument with a discharged Marine.) "Come on, you sons of bitches-do you want to live forever?" (Attributed to Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Daly, USMC, Belleau Wood, June 1918.)
What is the new Air Force motto? ›WE DO THE IMPOSSIBLE EVERY DAY. The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win - airpower anytime, anywhere.
What does the Air Force say instead of Hooah? ›HUA. Used almost exclusively by the United States Air Force. HUA is an acronym used for the term Heard, Understood, Acknowledged or a chant used when a team member completes a task well for morale and spirit of camaraderie.
What are some Marine Corps sayings? ›Over the years Marines have picked up nicknames like "Devil Dog" and "Leatherneck" and have adopted phrases "Semper Fidelis," "the Few, the Proud," and "Esprit de Corps." From the Marines' Hymn to the famous Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem, there is much to learn about the terminology of the Corps.
Does the Air Force have a Latin motto? ›Motto: Aut Vincere Aut Mors (Latin for “Conquer or Die”)
What is the Navy SEAL oath? ›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.
Is Delta Force more elite than SEALs? ›In the end, there's no real definitive answer to who is tougher between Navy SEALs and Delta Force - they're both badasses in my opinion - and if you favor either one over the other in terms of being tougher, that's pretty much like taking sides in an evenly matched Army vs. Navy football game.
What is the Combat Engineer motto? ›
The Army Corps of Engineers' motto is “ESSAYONS.”
The term, which is a French phrase meaning “Let us try,” is a nod to the French engineers who aided the American Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
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.
What is a famous Navy saying? ›“America's Navy – A global force for good.” “Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit.” “The only easy day was yesterday!” “Qui Plantavit Curabit” – “He who has planted will preserve.”
What is the most elite Ranger unit? ›The 75th Ranger Regiment is the U.S. Army's premier large-scale special operations force, and it is made up of some of the most elite Soldiers in the world.
What's the Soldiers creed? ›Soldier's Creed
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 pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of their legacy in all that I am - in all that I do. I am a warrior. I will teach and fight whenever and wherever my nation requires. I will strive always to excel in every art and artifice of war.
What are the sayings of the Marines? ›- “Errrr.” This is an even more shortened-down version of “rah.” But it's most often used as a lazy-man's version of agreement. ...
- “Yut.” ...
- Semper Gumby. ...
- Boot. ...
- Fire watch. ...
- “SITFU” ...
- “Improvise, adapt, and overcome.” ...
- Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps.
- “ I have not yet begun to fight!” — John Paul Jones.
- “ A good Navy is not a provocation to war. ...
- “ Don't give up the ship!” — ...
- “ We have met the enemy and they are ours…” — ...
- “ Damn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead!” — ...
- “ Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!” —
The U.S. Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis” – “Always Faithful.” The U.S. Coastguard's is “Semper Paratus” – “Always Ready.” The U.S. Air Force motto is “Aim High... Fly-Fight-Win,” and one of the U.S. Navy's unofficial mottos is “Semper Fortis” – “Always Courageous.”
What is the 1/5 Marine motto? ›What do Marines say instead of Hooah? ›
Oorah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century. It is comparable to hooah in the US Army and hooyah in the US Navy and US Coast Guard.
What is the saying for the Air Force? ›Fly-Fight-Win' to be Air Force motto.
What is a popular Navy saying? ›“America's Navy – A global force for good.” “Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit.” “The only easy day was yesterday!” “Qui Plantavit Curabit” – “He who has planted will preserve.”
What do sailors call Marines? ›terms were meant as insults to Marines, but the Corps and its members embraced them. Three such words are “gyrenes,” “jarheads,” and “grunts.” Their times of origin and usage differ somewhat, but each has the same role in the Marine Corps culture. They have become a source of pride for all Marines.
Why do Marines say Booyah? ›Hooyah is the battle cry used in the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard to build morale and signify verbal acknowledgment. It originated with special forces communities, especially the Navy SEALs, and was subsequently adopted by other Navy divisions.
How do you say bye in Navy? ›“Fair winds and following seas” is a common phrase for those in the United States Navy, where it's used to say farewell to those retiring or leaving for deployment.
What is the reply to Semper Fi? ›Trivia (3) At the end of this episode, CGIS Special Agent Borin says to Gibbs, "Semper Fi." Gibbs then replies, "Semper Paratus." Most people will recognize Semper Fi (Semper Fidelis) as the motto of the United States Marine Corps.