JJ DID TIE BUCKLE is an acronym that every Marine remembers for decades. It is an easy way to remember the 14 USMC Leadership Traits.
Each letter in the acronym corresponds to the first letter of one of the 14 USMC Leadership Traits. By remembering the acronym, they will be able to recall the traits, and use JJDIDTIEBUCKLE to guide their thoughts and actions.
These traits everyone should aspire to live by. These are great traits to teach your children.
Judgement – The ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.
Justice – Being fair and consistent. Giving consideration for all sides of each decision, and having rewards and punishments based on merit.
Dependability – It means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.
Initiative – Taking action even though you haven’t been given instructions. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.
Decisiveness – The ability to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.
Tact – To deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.
Integrity – To be honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.
Enthusiasm – Having a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.
Bearing – The way you conduct and carry yourself. Manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.
Unselfishness – An effort to avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.
Courage – To remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.
Knowledge – An understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit’s policies and keep up with current events.
Loyalty – Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful). You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.
Endurance – The mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship.
