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Lewis and Clark
Corps of Discovery
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The Seven Army Values

Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and other soldiers.
Be loyal to the nation and its heritage.

The Decision at the Marias. The men thought the route ran to the northwest up the Marias River, while both Lewis and Clark thought the main river channel ran to the southwest. The men agreed to go along with the decision of the captains to proceed to the southwest, which was indeed the Missouri River.

Duty
Fulfill your obligations.
Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your care.
Find opportunities to improve oneself for the good of the group.

Fulfilling the Letter and Intent of Jefferson's Order. The Corps of Discovery never wavered from its mission. Additionally, Lewis, Clark, and several of the men kept journals. Sergeant Ordway was the only one to make daily entries.

Respect
Rely upon the golden rule.
How we consider others reflects upon each of us, both personally and as a professional organization.

Diplomats with the Indians. The Corps of Discovery honored with dignity and respect all the tribes it met, offering gifts as a symbol of friendship and peace.

Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.
Selfless service leads to organizational teamwork and encompasses discipline, self-control and faith in the system.

Adversity Along the Way. Hard physical labor characterized every day, but the Corps of Discovery conquered every navigational hazard and overcame a variety of physical ills - boils, blisters, bunions, sunstroke, dysentery, fatigue, injuries, colds, fevers, snakebites, ticks, gnats, toothaches, headaches, sore throats, bad mosquitoes, and prickly pear cactus.

Honor
Live up to all the Army values

Importance of Character. Lewis and Clark were very thorough in selecting only the best men for the mission - those who would work together for the good of the group and pull their own weight.

Integrity
Do what is right, legally and morally.
Be willing to do what is right even when no one is looking.
It is our "moral compass" an inner voice.

Degree of Freedom. Many times the men were on their own as the captains performed their duties. On the return trip, Lewis and Clark divided the Corps of Discovery into five separate detachments (under the commands of Lewis, Clark, Ordway, Gass, and Pryor) to accomplish independent missions. Only two men were discharged from the expedition - Reed for desertion and Newman for mutinous conduct.

Personal Courage
Our ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral courage.

Into the Unknown. The men of the Corps of Discovery left not knowing what lay ahead or if they would ever return. Throughout the journals one phrase stands out - "we proceeded on." This clearly characterizes the spirit of the expedition.

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