This is an article I wrote one day after several people were caught lying, cheating and stealing at my last station....

What is Integrity? Integrity is defined as always doing what is right, even if there is no one around, no matter what.

Integrity is a BIG part of my new life here in the Marine Corps. If there is one thing that is important to one's success, whether it be in the military or in civilian life, it is having integrity. I have been trained (some would say brainwashed) to believe in, follow and operate under a somewhat different set of guidelines, than what i was used to before I joined the Corps. After 9 months in the Marine Corps, I may just have a different way of thinking now, but I still think that Integrity is something that all people, regardless of status, should practice. Some people say that it only applies to certain situations, such as stealing and telling the truth. I have learned it to mean and have seen it applied to much more. To me, integrity means having the courage to stand up when you have done something wrong and tell your superiors before they find out from someone else. In every case I've seen so far, the person who stood up, received a FAR less punishment than those who didn't and tried to hide it.

Don't lie to your family and friends, cheat on tests or on your bf/gf, and don't steal from anyone, no matter what it is and how much you want it. Integrity is a big part of my life and all I'm asking is that you try and make it a small part in yours.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and as always:

SEMPER FIDELIS

R/S

Diamanti, Aric James

PFC/USMC

0311/8152