I would hardly expect someone like you to understand the concept, but it’s something called “Duty.” Duty to one’s fellows, duty to accomplish the mission. Whatever the PERSONAL cost, the job needs to be completed. Duty is a harsh taskmistress, a really nasty bitch. She demands nothing more or less than everything we are and everything we hope to be and she will accept nothing less. And we learn Duty with our “mother’s milk” in boot camp, whether it be Parris Island (my alma mater) or San Diego. Then we learn the concept of “Honor.” As in “Duty, Honor, Country.” We learn from hard won experience that when we go into combat, we are, right down at the root, right where the rubber meets the road, fighting for our buddies, doing WHATEVER it takes to ensure we don’t let THEM down, no matter the personal cost. Duty and Honor. The concept of “Country” is more vague and esoteric in combat; it only really hits home when we’re back in garrison. That “Country” is what spurred us to enlist in the first place. Protecting the American People, the bedrock source of our authority to exist as Marines in the first place. The oath we take specifically enjoins us to protect and defend the Constitution for the United States from all its enemies, foreign and domestic. It’s not one we take lightly, nor is it an oath we are EVER relieved of this side of the grave.
There’s a book you should read called “Operation Buffalo: Marine Corps Fight for the DMZ” It exemplifies what I am talking about. And it’s about what happened to a lot of my personal friends, people who can tell you a thing or three about Duty and Honor.
Since the American People are the source of our authority, in a later post I will point out to you just what that means. For now, just be sure that your job, not unlike mine, is NOT about YOU going home at the end of the day; it’s about protecting and serving the people whose taxes are taken to pay your salary. Yes, AFTER THAT you can look to your safety and that of your partner. But not until you fulfill the requirements imposed by Duty and Honor.
I have the utmost respect for the Marines. My son is one, so I find it hard to argue with you. While I agree with what you say about Honor and Duty, I disagree with your assessment of what occurred in the video. Nothing personal, but I have read countless posts here on FR bashing cops. Do cops mess up at times? Absolutely. But most, if not all of the posts I have read were way off in their criticism of LEO’s. Some have even compared cops to Nazis, which is ridiculous.
BTW...Thanks for your service Sir.