Marines can engage in productive personal and professional relationships, positively interact with unit and command networks, and leverage resources that promote overall well-being and optimal performance. At the individual level, social fitness is awareness of self and others, appreciation of and ability to effectively navigate cultural differences, a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, concern, and respect for others, understanding and awareness of the mission, and preparation for the challenges Marines and their families face. At the unit level, social fitness is cohesion, adaptability, mutual trust between Marines up and down the chain of command, and communication within the unit structure. Leadership, mentorship, and organizational culture play key roles in enhancing and sustaining social fitness. At the family level, social fitness includes positive and healthy relationships that form a support network.

The 3 C's of Spiritual Fitness:

1. Center. Finding what is most important and meaningful to a warfighter and their family. For many, it may be their inner religious life including: prayer, meditation, reading, devotions, or journaling. Others, it may be the sanctuary of the outdoors, or connecting to the Divine in nature. Still others, through public worship services or opportunities to serve others on base or throughout their community. It’s finding what brings peace and purpose for the warfighter’s spiritual life and building upon that.
2. Confidential Counseling with the Chaplain. No matter what your belief or you’re right to not believe, we all can benefit from a person to talk to about important matters. Issues can stem from questions and directions on faith, to family, to career, or personal issues. The Chaplain is available to the warfighter and their family with 100 percent confidentiality. It’s an open space to be able to share whatever is on one’s heart and mind without judgment and with someone who can serve as a sounding board where the warfighter can be heard.
3. Community. A warfighter cannot succeed alone. They need a team around them. This is true of strong spiritual fitness as well. Provisions are made for community worship, small groups for encouragement in your spiritual journey, as well as a wide range of support groups which include: addiction recovery, parenting, grief process healing, and pre-marriage seminars, as well as other specific groups that meet the warfighter and their family right where they are.

Marines can strengthen their spirituality by having social and cultural experiences, meeting and engaging with others, building relationships, interests, and hobbies, having a sense of belonging, and building problem-solving skills to assist in mission readiness and performance. Spiritual fitness includes beliefs and practices that strengthen connectedness with sources of hope, meaning, and purpose. Unit-level spiritual fitness increases unit cohesion and morale. Personal faith, foundational values, and moral living can also be drawn from a variety of different sources and traditions, including the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment, and upholding the character expected of a United States Marine. Do what’s right, not what’s easy. It’s not just field drills and pushups, but strength of character when everything is on the line. When Marines have a sense of purpose and make good decisions, units and missions succeed.

Marines can strengthen their intellectual, emotional, and behavioral capacities. Mental fitness includes effectively navigating and adapting to the challenges of military life and service. Building individual and unit mental fitness can reduce the likelihood of impairment, mental injury, and illness. Social fitness and spiritual fitness are also required to achieve and maintain optimal mental fitness. Clear heads and a healthy mindset mean better choices on and off the field.

Marines can physically perform mission tasks, remain mission capable, and avoid injury. Physical fitness includes strength, agility, aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and functional mobility. Nutrition, sleep, and overall recovery strategies are also critical. A Marine’s strength and endurance mean life or death on the field.