When assigned to the Marine Security Guard (MSG) detachment (det) in Lima, Peru (2000-2001), I was paired with a roommate who was unlike the other MSGs with whom I served during my diplomatic experience in South America (1999-2001). I’ll refer to him as “K.B.”
While most Lima MSGs appeared to value an in-group dynamic whereby their moral and ethical integrity (firm adherence to a code) wasn’t reflective of the values and principles supposedly coveted by the MSG program as a whole, K.B. actually walked the walk of doctrinal integrity.
In this way, K.B. exhibited honesty (straightforwardness of conduct) when interacting with other MSGs, embassy personnel, and the Peruvians with whom we worked. Although I considered myself a person of integrity and honesty at the time, K.B.’s character was that to which I aspired.
For self-referential reasons, when thinking about this matter, I’m reminded of the electronic dance music (EDM) track “Integrity & Honesty” by Niels van Gogh and featuring Spacekid. Take a moment and think about how many people you know who are integrous and honest.
How many people come to mind? Understand that I’m not referring to those individuals who wear the mask of one who firmly adheres to a moral and ethical code and whose straightforward conduct apparently speaks for itself. I’m not talking about a person merely talks the talk.
Rather, can you think of an individual that you personally know who is currently or was at one time willing to sacrifice one’s own reputation in the interest of doing what is relatively right in behavior and which adheres to a firm value or principle? Does anyone come to mind?
As an example, when Lima MSGs gathered together with members of our parent command and acted in harmony toward a common end of removing another MSG from the det who blew the whistle on unscrupulous behavior (me), K.B. was the only one who spoke truth, as far as I know.
After I was voted out of the det, K.B. was the sole member among those who were considered my brothers and sister within the Marine Corps that sat with me and had the intestinal fortitude (guts; courage) to remove proverbial daggers from my back. For that, he was a true brother.
The above photo was one taken in the room that I shared with K.B. It reminds me of a historical moment when I actually served with one of the few Marines I ever met who demonstrated Marine Corps integrity which one source describes thusly:
Integrity means doing the right thing when nobody is looking. Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.
At this point in the blogpost, you may wonder what this matter has to do with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). REBT is influenced by Stoicism which maintains four main virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance (or moderation), and justice.
The integrity and honesty exhibited by K.B. relates to courage. In the interest of rational living, I continue aspiring to display similar intestinal fortitude as my Marine brother did when we served together in MSG det Lima. S/F. C/S.
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Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Acronym Finder. (n.d.). What does S/F stand for? Retrieved from https://www.acronymfinder.com/Semper-Fidelis-(S%2FF).html
Apple Music. (n.d.). Spacekid. Apple Inc. Retrieved from https://music.apple.com/us/artist/spacekid/1481077550
History Colorado. (n.d.). “Con safos C/S.” Retrieved from https://exhibits.historycolorado.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/ConSafos.pdf
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
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Hollings, D. (2024, August 21). In-group and out-group distinction. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/in-group-and-out-group-distinction
Hollings, D. (2024, January 2). Interests and goals. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/interests-and-goals
Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2023, October 2). Morals and ethics. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/morals-and-ethics
Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings
Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth
Hollings, D. (2024, June 16). On virtue. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-virtue
Hollings, D. (2024, May 26). Principles. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/principles
Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist
Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt
Hollings, D. (2024, May 15). Rational living. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-living
Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Stoicism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/stoicism
Hollings, D. (2024, November 24). Values. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/values
Niels van Gogh – Topic. (2018, August 10). Integrity & Honesty (Original mix) [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/GZs4LqKo6Ds?si=XMX1OlJuZcoaCxeN
USMC OCS Blog. (2012, September 28). Marine Corps leadership traits: Integrity. Officer Candidate School. Retrieved from https://officercandidatesschool.com/2012/09/28/marine-corps-leadership-traits-integrity-2/
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Niels van Gogh. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niels_van_Gogh
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Whistleblowing. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistleblowing
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