A person or institution that has integrity is an organization that is honest and follows firm moral principles.  It is a moral conviction to do right without analyzing the consequences one will have to experience for failing to do the right thing.  It requires the actions of a person or institution to be consistent with words, open and honest communication, appropriate values and behaviors, and admitting to mistakes.  The Marine Corps is an integral component of the army. They have been at the forefront during crucial moments for the country like the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the global war on terrorism. Therefore, the capabilities and responsibilities of the marine corps show the need for them to have integrity. The Marine Corps has leadership traits that are summarized as JJDIDTIEBUCKLE. It is an acronym for justice, judgment, dependability, Initiative, decisiveness, tact, integrity, enthusiasm, Bearing, unselfishness, courage, and knowledge. While all of the values are important, integrity is considered to be the most important because it enables the marine corps to not only defend the country but do it while believing that that is what is right and expected by people who have entrusted them with the responsibility.  Therefore, this paper explains internal, external and image forms of integrity and how it enables marine corps to follow marine corps rules strictly, demonstrate responsible behavior, work diligently, and improve performance through admitting to mistakes.

Forms of Integrity

The internal form of integrity is the ability of a person or institution to do the right thing regardless of the need to be recognized or awarded. It is considered to be integrity at the deepest level. Personal integrity develops over time. It is influenced by encouragement, guidance, and discipline.  However, it is the hardest form of integrity since there are people who can choose to have integrity when a situation allows and transform to be dishonest when a situation favors.

External integrity is a form of integrity portrayed to the surrounding people.  It requires consistency between one’s actions, thought, and words. For example, external integrity can be seen when one makes a promise to donate to a charitable organization that caters for children with special needs within one month and deposits the amount within the time frame as he promised. It shows that the person is not only honest to himself but people around him. External integrity enables one to earn respect from the people surrounding him/her. Also, it establishes loyal cooperation and instills confidence among the people surrounding him/her.

Image integrity is how the outward image of a person/institution is perceived.  It depends on people’s imaginations. While it is positive when the outward actions of an individual/institutions are interpreted as intended, it often leads to misinterpretations. It is because, people use their experiences, background, and knowledge to understand other’s actions. Hence, even though the person/institution was being truthful to themselves, the public may interpret their actions otherwise. Nevertheless, just like external integrity, image integrity attracts respect, loyal cooperation, and confidence.

Importance of Integrity to Marine Corps

Integrity enables marine corps to follow military rules. There are policies in the military that are designed to guide the best work culture among marine corps.  There are unofficial and official traditions that make the marine corps distinct from other people in various fields. The traditions act as rules which are embraced and implemented to enable them to perform duties during both crucial and normal periods. For example, the rules of marine corps require coordination with the Airforce and Army to develop tactics and techniques of amphibious operations. As such, being true to self and honest to the organization enables the marine corps staff to obey the rules since they know that it is the requirement of the institution.

Similarly, integrity enables marine corps to demonstrate responsible behavior both on and off duty. Integrity provides that one has not behaved in a way that attracts questions from leaders, management or colleagues.  It involves striving to complete duties within the stipulated time and as required. Marine corps is always on a mission initiated by the institution. However, it is not all the time that they are under supervision from their leaders. For example, the military corps are usually involved in wars that they may not take time to implement everything being directed to them by the commandant. Therefore, when they cannot demonstrate responsible behavior without supervision during such critical times, it might cost the country lives and property.

Additionally, it enables marine corps to work diligently.  Admittedly, diligence depends on how one can avoid distractions at work. It ensures that one is strictly focussed on the job responsibilities and demonstrates to both leaders and colleagues that he/she has the work ethic.  Diligence at work is only possible when one is aware of expectations and honest about the capability to meet the expectations regardless of the context. The marine corps has elite men and women who follow strict codes to accomplish tasks especially in areas affected by conflicts.  Therefore, the institution only requires people with exceptional characters who can execute commands and perform military tasks whenever and

Further, integrity enables marine corps to improve performance through admitting to mistakes. While at work, it is almost impossible for one to avoid making mistakes. However, when one has integrity, he/she knows what has not been done according to the codes of conduct hence may lead to negative consequences. For example, the intensity and amphibious warfare in marine corps that requires movement from an island to island requires careful planning and coordination. Hence, every member is expected to work diligently to meet the obligations of the job tasks. Therefore, when one makes a mistake and accepts, it enables the people planning and coordinate to predetermine the consequences of the mistake on the activities and rectify to achieve the best results.

In conclusion, the purpose of the paper was to explain integrity and its importance to marine corps.  The paper has provided the meaning of internal, external, and image integrity. Internal integrity involves conviction within an individual, to be honest to self. External integrity involves honesty portrayed to the surrounding people while image integrity is the outward image of a person or an institution based on the honesty he/she has represented to the surrounding people. The three forms of integrity are important in marine corps. It enables the men and women in service to follow marine corps rules, behave responsibly while on duty and off duty, will allow them to work diligently, and improve the performance of marine corps staff through because it will enable them to admit to mistakes.

 
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