15 Badass Military Mottos From Around the World

Everybody loves cool military mottos. They not only look good on T-shirts but have some great symbolism behind them.

So let’s take a look at 20 badass military mottos, some of them well-known and others not so much. Please share your favorites in the comments section below. 

1) US Army – “This We’ll Defend”

This famous motto dates back to the Revolutionary War. When the Continental Army was formed in 1775, it adopted it as its official motto. Therefore, it is the oldest motto in the U.S. military. 

2) US Marine Corps – “Semper Fidelis”

Commandant of the Marine Corps Colonel Charles Grymes McCawley adopted the Marine Corps motto in 1883. Marines have now shortened it to “Semper Fi” which means always faithful. Marines also use it to address each other.. 

For a short period before 1883, the Marines used the same motto as the British Royal Marines, “Par Mare, Par Terrum,” which means “By Sea, By Land”. 

3) Greek I Army Corps – “Molon Labe” 

The Hellenic Army has some very cool military mottos inspired by a millennia-long history.

“Molon Labe,” which means “come and get them” was the reply of King Leonidas I to the Persian army’s demand that the Greeks surrender their weapons at the Battle of Thermopylae.

This motto has also been used frequently by people in the U.S. who support the 2nd Amendment. Coincidentally, it is also used by the Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) of the U.S. military. 

4) Greek 20th Armored Brigade – “Ypo Skii”

This motto translates to “in the shade.” In the now-famous exchange between the Persians and the Spartans during the Battle of Thermopylae, a Persian said that Persian archers were so numerous that their arrows would block out the sun. The Spartan Dienekes replied with a laugh, “Good. Then we will fight in the shade.” Sometimes it is found in Latin as “In Umbra, Igitur, Pugnabimus.”

5) Israel’s Duvdevan Unit – “Ki b’Tahbulot, Ta’ase-l’kha Milhama”  

The Israelis use some great Biblical quote mottos for their military units. Duvdevan’s motto translates to “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war” (Proverbs 24:6). 

Also known as Unit 217, Duvdevan is one of the elite Israeli mista’arvim units. The unit is known to work undercover in Arab lands using Arab dress and the ability to speak perfect Arabic to blend in. The Israeli television show Fauda is based on a Duvdevan unit. 

6) US Army Special Forces – “De Oppresso Liber”

De Oppresso Liber figuratively translates to “to liberate the oppressed.” Army Green Berets (Special Forces) were formed in 1952 to conduct unconventional warfare in the fight against communism. 

7) US Navy SEALs – “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday”

The SEALs motto is self-explanatory. SEAL training is among the toughest in the military. So, their motto highlights that the training and expectations will get more difficult every day. 

8) US Air Force Pararescuemen (PJs) – “So That Others May Live”

The Department of Defense specifically organizes, trains, and equips the PJs to conduct personnel recovery operations in hostile or denied areas as their primary mission.

9) US 442nd Infantry Regiment – “Go For Broke”

The 442nd was a unit comprised entirely of Japanese-Americans during WWII. Due to concerns about their potential reluctance to fight against Japanese soldiers, military leaders deployed them to Europe to fight the Germans.

In all, over 14,000 men served in the regiment. They amassed 21 Medals of Honor, 9,000 Purple Hearts, and 4,000 Bronze Stars during the war. 

10) Britain’s Gurkha Regiment – “Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro”

Great Britain has some inspiring military mottos. The Gurkha Regiment’s translates to “Better to die than live like a coward.” The Gurkhas are famous for their bravery and their skill with a kukri, their curved knife.

During the Falklands War, Argentine soldiers were asked by media members how they’d know when the Gurkhas were in the fight. “You’ll wake up and your head will fall off,” was the reply. 

11) Special Air Service (SAS) – “Who Dares Wins”

The SAS was founded in 1941 as a regiment under David Sterling. It was reconstituted as a corps in 1950.

The elite unit specializes in a number of roles including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and covert reconnaissance.

12) Special Boat Service (SBS) – “By Strength and Guile”

The SBS is the Royal Navy’s special forces unit. They are experts in Maritime Counter-terrorism (MCT) and amphibious warfare; they also operate on land. Since its inception during World War II, the SBS has been a first-class naval special operations force.

13) Australia’s 2nd Commando Regiment – “Foras Admonitio”

The motto translates to “Without Warning.” The Australian Special Operations Command founded the 2nd Commando Regiment, a direct-action unit, in 2009.

14) 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne – “Currahee”

The meaning of Currahee is “stands alone.” And as paratroopers, the 506th would have to stand alone after dropping into enemy territory. The 506th was made famous from the book and HBO series Band of Brothers. 

15) France’s 11th Marine Artillery Regiment – “Alter Post Fulmina Terror”

The regiment’s Latin motto translates to “The other terror after bolts of lighting” a fitting motto for an artillery unit. Formed in 1785, the unit has had an illustrious history, participating in many wars including Afghanistan.

Military Mottos to Inspire

Military mottos embody the spirit, values, and history of the units that bear them.

From the ancient battle cries of the Spartans to the modern mantras of special operations forces, these mottos serve as reminders of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication required of those who serve.

Whether emblazoned on a flag, a patch, or simply etched in the minds of soldiers, these powerful phrases continue to inspire and motivate generations of warriors.

Do you have a favorite military motto that resonates with you?

This article was originally written by Steve Balestrieri and has been reviewed and updated by the SOFREP News Team.