Maryland Defense Force

For over a century, these believes and standards have served as the foundation for MDDF volunteers to do right and stand by our fellow Marylanders.  MDDF volunteers represent and uphold these core values true in their professionalism and personal character.

The MDDF embraces the seven core U.S. Army values:

Loyalty

Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the State of Maryland, your unit and Members of the MDDF.  Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone.  A loyal Service Member is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Service Members.  By wearing the uniform you are expressing your loyalty.  And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.

Duty 

Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks.  Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team.  The work of the MDDF is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities - all in constant motion.  Our work entails building one assignment onto another.  You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take "shortcuts" that might undermine the integrity of the final product.

Respect

Treat people as they should be treated.  In the Soldier's Code, we pledge to "treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same."  Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people.  Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty.  And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the MDDF value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Maryland Defense Force is one team and each of us has something to contribute.

Selfless Service

Put the welfare of Marylanders, the MDDF, and your subordinates before your own.  Selfless service is larger than just one person.  In serving your the state, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain.  The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.

Honor

The nation's highest military award is The Medal of Honor.  This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living - Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make.  Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.

Integrity

Do what's right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others.  As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you.  The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.

Personal Courage

Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral).  Personal courage has long been associated with our military.  With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety.  Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.