Recently, I closed an article with this sentence:
“Leadership matters…let’s reflect on the importance of leadership, not only whether we like a person or a movement, but also how well we are led.”
I came across a couple of General George Washington’s quotes that highlight the discipline and character he expected of individual soldiers as the War for Independence began. Let’s take a look:
Washington’s Code: Discipline, Order, and Duty
On July 4, 1775, Washington’s order was delivered to his troops: “The General … requires … observance of those articles of war … which forbid profane cursing, swearing and drunkenness; And … requires … punctual attendance of Divine Services.”
I found it notable that self-control and punctual attendance at a religious service recognizing a Higher Power were part of the troops’ code of conduct. But wait. There’s more:
Several months later, General Washington ordered this: “Any … soldier who shall hereafter be detected playing at toss-up, pitch, and hustle, or any other games of chance … shall without delay be confined and punished …The General does not mean by the above to discourage sports of exercise or recreation, he only means to discountenance and punish gaming.”
In other words, gambling was not allowed in the Revolutionary troops.
Here are a few questions that come to mind:
- How could a military general require personal discipline? When you join the United States military, you must adhere to a military code of conduct. The U.S. military required a certain code of conduct then, as it does now, that restricts freedom. How do you win wars unless you maintain personal discipline? Yes, today’s code may be different, but it is still strict.
- Why mandatory religious service attendance? In the 18th century, this was not an outlandish request. When your enemy is Goliath, you summon all the strength you have, as well as supernatural strength, to win. That’s what it took to win the War for Independence. General Washington was going for the gold, not second place. Reliance on a Higher Power was a part of his winning strategy.
- If Washington was so strict, why didn’t he win every battle? Why did his troops suffer? Why didn’t he get shot? Actually, I read that a British soldier had Washington in his sight but refused to shoot him in the back. There were rules of engagement that all sides obeyed in battle. The idea is that self-discipline and adherence to a moral code of conduct, even attending a church service, does not guarantee safety. It’s clear-headed thinking and faith, then and now, that gives the best chance for a favorable outcome in battle.
Practice Mental Strength and National Responsibility
Lessons to consider from General Washington and his troops today:
- If we become a profligate society, we will be weak, unable to defend ourselves even in world skirmishes, let alone battles.
- Mental strength is required as much as physical strength to win. Complaining is not a part of a winning strategy for America.
- Discipline-tons of discipline- is required to be a success in our personal lives as well as the life of our nation.
We are a free people. That is, we are free to pursue the kind of life we want to live. We are also free to decide if we will be a part of the success or failure of our nation’s lasting legacy. It’s not just about us anymore. Like Washington, we are charting the course for our nation’s future.
In what ways can you practice the discipline and faith our nation needs today?
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
