Jan 2014- Three Second Decision

Three Second Decision

·         M. Elizabeth Plumb

·         08 January 2014

The Three second decision-

I came upon an article about a marine that witnessed a fellow service member make a horrible decision in a bad situation. He wasn't close enough to physically stop the man and couldn't pause and reason out the consequences of what will happen if the wrong decision was made.

The article states, “There is no simple answer that would guarantee a different outcome, but some military experts believe that the murder might have been prevented if just one other person in that unit had the presence of mind to say four words: “Marines don’t do that.”

Replay that short sentence in your head as if it were directed to you. Note that it does not include the words stop, order, or wrong. That omission makes the statement all the stronger. Its aim is to put the spotlight on the person, not the act.

“Marines” is the most important word. It comes first and works on two levels. It tells the soldier, “Remember who you are. Don’t renounce your identity.” Uttered by a fellow marine, it also says, “Your brothers are here with you.”

With further research I found where this statement comes from. Years ago, General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., the 24th Commandant, wrote to all his general officers and commanding officers referencing a letter he received from a distinguished friend. His friend had encountered a Marine corporal in an air terminal who, by his appearance, differed from other travelers. Although others in the terminal presented a slovenly appearance, the Marine was squared away. When asked about the reason for the difference, the corporal responded, "Marines don't do that."

General Chapman went on to describe other things that Marines don't do: Marines don't-wear a scruffy uniform. Marines don't-slouch around with their hands in their pockets. Marines don't-wear long hair. Marines don't-fail to respond with a "Yes, or No, Sir" when speaking with a senior. Marines don't-render a halfhearted or sloppy salute to the Stars and Stripes or to their seniors. Marines don't-gang up on each other. Marines don't-question lawful orders. Marines don't-lie or cheat or break their word. Marines don't-abandon a fellow Marine in time of need. Marines don't-let down their fellow Marines by succumbing to drug temptation. Marines don't-meet problems with "It can't be done" or questions with the easy answer "No." Marines don't-knock the system without recommending appropriate change. Marines don't-(the list is endless).

"Marines don't do that." A simple statement that speaks volumes about that special characteristic of Marines which differentiates us from others: commitment to higher standards-standards of dress, of conduct, and of excellence-which we were taught in boot camp or officer candidates school. Marines go the "extra mile" in taking care of ourselves, taking care of each other and taking care of our Corps.

What do Marines do? Marines do-maintain their bearing. Marines do-more with less. Marines do-strive to improve themselves-physically, tactically, intellectually. Marines do-honor their word. Marines do-set the example. Marines do-take the initiative. Marines do-remain loyal to their families, fellow Marines, the Corps, and the Nation. Marines do-respect each other. Marines do-take care of each other. Marines do-what's right.

All we have to do is substitute "Mormons" for "Marines" in that four word sentence and we have a very useful motto that can help us in our daily lives. “Mormons don’t do that”

Make your actions consistent your knowledge. From what we put in our bodies, and on our bodies, to the words that come out of our mouths, how we treat our fellow man and how we face our daily struggles can all be decided by consistently choosing to act in a manner that expresses our knowledge of the love our Savior has for us. We can show our respect for His atoning sacrifice by taking the moment to ask, “Is this something Mormons do?”

We can also use “Mormons don’t do that” to remind ourselves and others who we are. To show support to our fellow Saints without being judgmental towards those who have not yet taken the baptismal covenant to remember Him always.

Helaman’s Army, Queen Esther, Nephi, Abraham, Joseph Smith, and Thomas S. Monson all have made the decision to act in the manner consistent with what they knew the Lord would have them do- at all times- and in all places- and in all things. (Mosiah 18:9) May we also make that our rallying cry of this New Year when in the position to make a decision- no matter how great or small.