by Rory Gillies
In these shall we say, interesting times, with widespread
fear and reckless panic buying happening across the world (or at least where
such blind folly is accepted), it brings into the limelight a number of core
values and principles that are well known to military families throughout the
UK, that many feel should be embraced more so than usual in the current
situation we find ourselves in.
The Royal Marines are formidable in their reputation for mental toughness and physical resilience, yet they have a very simple set of core values that embody the nature of the corps and can be applied to wider civilian life. This collection of values are known as the ‘Commando Spirit’, and are regarded by many associated with the military as a code to live by and integrate into everyday scenarios. These values are as follows:
Courage
Determination
Unselfishness
Cheerfulness
Courage: The virus spreading across the globe is no doubt a danger, and worthy of active measures to protect against. It therefore takes significant courage to take action, either to continue to function as normal, or change a lifestyle to adapt to the changing circumstances. At the time of writing, the PM has not closed schools or offered any sort of clear cut orders on how the wider public should act. He has been quite rightly condemned by many for this lack of leadership and decisive decision making. It therefore seems that a bit of backbone and courage on Mr Johnson’s part would not go amiss, as people want clarity and instruction, rather than advice and suggestions. Examples of courage can be seen everywhere, with doctors and nurses repetitively going into work to help those affected, and those who continue to help others in large groups, despite warnings and ignoring the vague, woolly suggestions of the government. In the same way, it takes great courage for those in the workplace and schools to take themselves into isolation to protect themselves and crucially, others, from this virus, despite being in key exam years or having not finished a syllabus. This recognition of what is important is certainly commendable and if done for the right reasons is arguably the decision we should all be taking if political leaders fail to seize the initiative and take action.
Determination: As a society we have recognised the almost inevitable event of self isolation and quarantine that will affect us all. There have been jokes made about how this is easy compared to previous generational struggles such as world wars. Yet it still requires a certain level of determination to cut yourself off from the outside world, a huge cultural change for many of us. This has been seen by the continued opening of nightclubs and bars in the last couple of weeks, as to the horror of doctors, they continue to be frequented by young people. This proves how hard it is to change habits and hobbies for the benefit largely of others, especially in a western society that emphasises freedom and individualism. Although the benefits of the internet make this a lot easier, the determination of individuals will be a key deciding factor in whether the quarantine will be effective.
Unselfishness: A concept that links in to determination to a certain extent. The people most at risk from the virus are the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Therefore arguably the majority of us are not protecting ourselves, but those around us who are more vulnerable. This means that restrictions that require self discipline to enforce, not going to bars and clubs, are to prevent becoming carriers of a disease that is unlikely to excessively harm us personally, but could be critical for others. Yet although many are admirably showing examples of this value, the appearance of shops is telling a different story. Panic buying is ruining the whole supply chain of supermarkets and causing unnecessary shortages (the UK is the 11th largest toilet paper manufacturer). The psychological argument behind this response, that we are instinctively gathering resources to protect ourselves is valid to an extent, although people are acting in an unnecessarily selfish and sheep-like manner, to protect against a problem that we don’t know will even be a major issue.
Cheerfulness: We need to be realistic, something that Boris Johnson did well in the early stages of the crisis. This is going to be hard, it is going to have a huge impact on our lives, and it will likely get harder before it gets better. However the final commando quality and one that the Royal Marines hold in the highest esteem is that of “Cheerfulness in the face of adversity”. The ability to stay positive in a tough situation is critical in maintaining the ability to continue to remain in such a position. Quarantine and self isolation is not likely to be an extremely enjoyable experience, especially for those in years 11 and 13 who have a fair bit to be doing. But maintaining a PMA (positive mental attitude) will be critical in how productive and enjoyable the coming period will be, as it could certainly be enjoyable to a certain extent, it’s a perfect opportunity to binge watch some TV and get some decent sleep down before the quarantine lifts and house parties begin again :))
If you’re still reading, then thank you for sticking with me. Stay safe out there and stay positive.
The Royal Marines are formidable in their reputation for mental toughness and physical resilience, yet they have a very simple set of core values that embody the nature of the corps and can be applied to wider civilian life. This collection of values are known as the ‘Commando Spirit’, and are regarded by many associated with the military as a code to live by and integrate into everyday scenarios. These values are as follows:
Courage
Determination
Unselfishness
Cheerfulness
Courage: The virus spreading across the globe is no doubt a danger, and worthy of active measures to protect against. It therefore takes significant courage to take action, either to continue to function as normal, or change a lifestyle to adapt to the changing circumstances. At the time of writing, the PM has not closed schools or offered any sort of clear cut orders on how the wider public should act. He has been quite rightly condemned by many for this lack of leadership and decisive decision making. It therefore seems that a bit of backbone and courage on Mr Johnson’s part would not go amiss, as people want clarity and instruction, rather than advice and suggestions. Examples of courage can be seen everywhere, with doctors and nurses repetitively going into work to help those affected, and those who continue to help others in large groups, despite warnings and ignoring the vague, woolly suggestions of the government. In the same way, it takes great courage for those in the workplace and schools to take themselves into isolation to protect themselves and crucially, others, from this virus, despite being in key exam years or having not finished a syllabus. This recognition of what is important is certainly commendable and if done for the right reasons is arguably the decision we should all be taking if political leaders fail to seize the initiative and take action.
Determination: As a society we have recognised the almost inevitable event of self isolation and quarantine that will affect us all. There have been jokes made about how this is easy compared to previous generational struggles such as world wars. Yet it still requires a certain level of determination to cut yourself off from the outside world, a huge cultural change for many of us. This has been seen by the continued opening of nightclubs and bars in the last couple of weeks, as to the horror of doctors, they continue to be frequented by young people. This proves how hard it is to change habits and hobbies for the benefit largely of others, especially in a western society that emphasises freedom and individualism. Although the benefits of the internet make this a lot easier, the determination of individuals will be a key deciding factor in whether the quarantine will be effective.
Unselfishness: A concept that links in to determination to a certain extent. The people most at risk from the virus are the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Therefore arguably the majority of us are not protecting ourselves, but those around us who are more vulnerable. This means that restrictions that require self discipline to enforce, not going to bars and clubs, are to prevent becoming carriers of a disease that is unlikely to excessively harm us personally, but could be critical for others. Yet although many are admirably showing examples of this value, the appearance of shops is telling a different story. Panic buying is ruining the whole supply chain of supermarkets and causing unnecessary shortages (the UK is the 11th largest toilet paper manufacturer). The psychological argument behind this response, that we are instinctively gathering resources to protect ourselves is valid to an extent, although people are acting in an unnecessarily selfish and sheep-like manner, to protect against a problem that we don’t know will even be a major issue.
Cheerfulness: We need to be realistic, something that Boris Johnson did well in the early stages of the crisis. This is going to be hard, it is going to have a huge impact on our lives, and it will likely get harder before it gets better. However the final commando quality and one that the Royal Marines hold in the highest esteem is that of “Cheerfulness in the face of adversity”. The ability to stay positive in a tough situation is critical in maintaining the ability to continue to remain in such a position. Quarantine and self isolation is not likely to be an extremely enjoyable experience, especially for those in years 11 and 13 who have a fair bit to be doing. But maintaining a PMA (positive mental attitude) will be critical in how productive and enjoyable the coming period will be, as it could certainly be enjoyable to a certain extent, it’s a perfect opportunity to binge watch some TV and get some decent sleep down before the quarantine lifts and house parties begin again :))
If you’re still reading, then thank you for sticking with me. Stay safe out there and stay positive.
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