List of military unit mottoes by country
Australia
Military Unit Mottos: Australia
Canada
Military Unit Mottos: Canada
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Republic of China Armed Force
- 防衛固守，有效嚇阻(fang-wei-gu-shou, yo-siao-he-zu): persistent defense, effective intimidation.
- 決戰境外(jue-jhan-jin-wai): decisive battle outside of national boundary.
- Republic of China Army
- Aviation and Special Operation Command
- 高山低頭，海水讓路(gao-shan-di-tou, hai-shui-ran-lu): the mountain bows, the ocean splits.
- 生為空特人，死為空特魂(sheng-wei-kon-teh-ren, sih-wei-kon-teh-huen): live as kon-teh persons, die as kon-teh spirits.(空特kon-teh is abbreviation of Aviation and Special Warfare Command)
- Republic of China Navy
- 忠、義(jhong, yi): loyalty and justice.
- 見敵必戰(jien-di-bi-jhan): battle we must when enemy in sight.
- Republic of China Marine Corps
- 一日陸戰隊，終生陸戰隊(yi-rih-lu-jhan-duei, jhong-sheng-lu-jhan-duei): marine for a day, marine for whole life.
- 不怕苦，不怕難，不怕死(bu-pa-ku, bu-pa-nan, bu-pa-sih): fear no challenge, fear no pain, fear no death.
- 永遠忠誠(yon-yuen-jhong-cheng): ever faithful (taken from the USMC motto semper fidelis)
- Republic of China Air Force
- 無空防即無國防(wu-kon-fan-ji-wu-guo-fan): without air defense there is no national defense.
- Republic of China Military Police
- 忠誠憲兵(jhong-cheng-hsien-bin): loyal military police.
- Military Academy
- 親愛精誠: Fraternity, Devotion, Sincerity
- 貪生怕死勿入此門，升官發財請走他路(tan-sheng-pa-sih-mo-ru-cih-men, sheng-guan-fa-cai-cing-zou-ta-lu): (those who) covet life and fear death do not enter this door, (those who wish for) promotion and wealth please take other paths.
Estonia
Military Unit Mottos: Estonia
| Military Motto |
Motto |
Language |
Translation |
| Scouts Battallion |
E pluribus unum |
Latin |
"Out of many one" |
Finland
Military Unit Mottos: Finland
| Military Motto |
Motto |
Language |
Translation |
| Finnish Air Force |
Qualitas potentia nostra |
Latin |
"Quality is our power" |
| Utin Jääkärirykmentti (Utti Airborne Regiment) |
Excelsior |
Latin |
"Higher" |
| Panssariprikaati (Armoured Brigade) |
Iske ja murra |
Finnish |
"Strike and break through" |
France
Military Unit Mottos: France
| Military Motto |
Motto |
Language |
Translation |
| French Army |
"Honneur et Patrie" |
French |
"Honour and Fatherland" |
| French Navy |
"Honneur, Patrie, Valeur, Discipline" |
French |
"Honour, Fatherland, Valour, Discipline" |
| French Air Force |
"Faire face" |
French |
"Rise up"(i.e. against someone, something) |
| French Foreign Legion |
"Legio Patria Nostra" |
Latin |
"The Legion is our Fatherland" |
| La Grande Armée |
"Valeur et Discipline" |
French |
"Valour and Discipline" |
Germany
KSK - Kommando Spezialkräfte - German Special Forces ("Facit Omnia Voluntas") ("Der Wille entscheidet") "The will is decisive"
Heerestruppenbrigade ("Viribus unitis") ("Mit vereinten Kräften") "Joining forces"
Kampfschwimmer - Froggmann ("Lerne leiden ohne zu klagen") "Learn to suffer without complaining"
Luftlandepioniere ("Wir bewegen ALLES") "We move EVERYTHING"
Wachbataillon ("Semper... Talis") ("Immer wachsam") "Always watchful"
Greece
Military Unit Mottos: Greece
India
The mottoes of the Indian Armed Forces units come from Sanskrit, English, or a regional language the specific unit is closely affiliated with. Some however are laurels won on the field and are in the language of the enemy or the commander's praise.
| Military Motto |
Motto |
Language |
Translation |
Battle Cry |
| Indian Army |
The safety, honour and welfare of your country, come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command comes next. Your own ease, comfort and safety comes last, always and every time. |
English |
|
Bharat Maata ki Jai |
| Army Air Defence |
"Aakasey Satrun Jahi" |
Sanskrit |
"Win Over The Enemy In The Sky" |
|
| Indian Air Force |
"Nabha Sparsham Deeptam" |
Sanskrit |
"Touch the Sky with Glory" |
|
| Indian Navy |
"Sha-no Varuna" |
Sanskrit |
"May the Lord of the Oceans be Auspicious Unto Us" |
|
| Indian Military Academy |
"Veerta aur Vivek" |
Hindi |
"Valour and Wisdom" |
|
| Regiment of Artillery |
"Sarvatra Izzat O Iqbal" |
Hindi/Urdu |
Prestige and Honour Everywhere |
| The Brigade of The Guards |
"Pahla Hamesha Pahla" |
Hindi/Urdu |
"Ahead, Always Ahead" or "First, Always First" |
"Garud Ka Hun Bol Pyare " |
| Paracommandos (Special Forces) |
"Balidaan" |
Hindi |
"Sacrifice" |
|
| The Mechanized Infantry |
"Valour and Faith" |
English |
-- |
|
| The Punjab Regiment |
"Sthal Wa Jal" |
Hindi |
"By Land and Sea" |
"Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal" |
| The Madras Regiment |
"Swadharme Nidhanam Shreyaha" |
Sanskrit |
"It is a glory to die doing one’s duty" |
"Veera Madrasi, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu (Valorous Madrasi! Hit! Kill! Hit! Kill!" |
| The Gorkha Regiment |
"Kafar hunu marna bhandu ramro" |
Gorkhali/Nepali |
" It is better to die than be a coward" |
"Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali" |
| The Maratha Light Infantry |
"Duty, Honour, Courage" |
English |
|
"Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai" |
| Grenadiers Regiment |
"Sarvada Shaktishali" |
Sanskrit |
"Ever Powerful" |
"Sarvada Shaktishali" |
| The Rajputana Rifles |
"Veer Bhogya Vasundhara" |
Sanskrit |
"The Brave Shall enjoy the Earth" |
"Raja Ram Chandra Ki Jai" |
| The Rajput Regiment |
"Sarvatra Vijay" |
Sanskrit |
"Victory Everywhere" |
|
| Jat Regiment |
"Sangathan Wa Veerta" |
Hindi |
"Spirit of Unity and Valour" |
"Jat Balwaan, Jai Bhagwaan" |
| The Sikh Regiment |
"Nischey Kar Apni Jeet Karon" |
Punjabi |
"With Determination, I Shall win" |
"Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal" |
| The Sikh Light Infantry |
"Deg Teg Fateh" |
Punjabi |
"Prosperity in Peace and Victory in War" |
"Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal" |
| The Dogra Regiment |
"Kartavyam Anvatma" |
Sanskrit |
"Duty Before Death" |
"Jawala Mata Ki Jai" |
| The Garhwal Rifles |
"Yudhaya Krit Nischya" |
Sanskrit |
"Fight With Determination" |
"Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai" |
| The Kumaon Regiment |
"Parakramo Vijayate" |
Sanskrit |
"Valour Triumphs" |
"Kalika Mata Ki Jai/Bajrang Bali Ki Jai /Dada Kishan Ki Jai/Jai Durge Naga." |
| The Assam Regiment |
"Assam Vikram" |
|
"Unique Valour" |
|
| The Bihar Regiment |
"Karam Hi Dharam" |
Hindi |
"Work is Worship" |
"Birsa Munda Ki Jai" |
| The Mahar Regiment |
"Yash Sidhi" |
Sanskrit |
"Success & Attainment" |
"Bolo Hindustan Ki Jai" |
| The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles |
"Prashata Ranvirta" |
Sanskrit |
"Valour in Battle is Praiseworthy" |
|
| The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry |
"Balidanam Vir Lakshanam" |
Sanskrit |
"Sacrifice is a Sign of the Brave" |
"Bharat Mata Ki Jai" |
| Ordnance Corps |
"Shastra Se Shakti" |
Hindi |
"Strength through Weapons" |
|
| The Corps of Signals |
"Teevra Chaukas" |
Hindi |
"Swift and Secure" |
|
| Corps of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers [EME] |
"Karm hi Dharam" |
Hindi |
"Work is Supreme Duty" |
|
| Judge Advocate General (Indian Army): |
"Satyameva Jayate" |
Sanskrit |
"Truth alone triumphs" |
|
| Border Security Force |
"Duty Unto Death" |
English |
|
|
| Indian Coast Guard |
"Vayam Rakshamah" |
Sanskrit |
"We Protect" |
|
| Defence Service Staff College |
"Yuddham Pragayya" |
Sanskrit |
"To War with Wisdom" |
|
| Defence Research & Development Organisation |
"Balasya Moolam Vigyanam" |
Sanskrit |
"Strength's Origin is in Science" |
Indonesia
Many Indonesian Armed Forces' mottoes are taken from Sanskrit language or Old Javanese language, but there are also many mottoes taken from Indonesian.
- Indonesian Army: Kartika Eka Paksi (literally "Great Bird, No Opponent"/meaning "Strength, Unity, Loyalty")
- Indonesian Navy: Jalesveva Jayamahe ("On The Sea We Are Glorious")
- Indonesian Air Force: Swabhuana Paksa ("The Wings of The Motherland")
- Indonesian National Police: Official Motto: Rastra Sewakottama ("People's Main Servant"), Popular Motto: Melindungi dan Melayani ("To Protect and Serve")
- Army Units
- Infantry: Yuddhawastu Pramukha ("The Foremost Warfare Equipment")
- Field Artillery: Tri Sandhya Yudha ("Soldier's Ability to Carry Out Their Duties without Time-Spotting")
- Air Defense Artillery: Vyati Rakca Bhala Cakti ("The Great Soldier, Guardian of The Sky")
- Cavalry: Tri Daya Cakti ("Three Sacred Powers", referring to the Moving Power, Firing Power and Surprising Power of modern cavalry)
- Army Aviation: Wira Amur ("Flying Soldiers")
- Army Military Police: Satya Wira Wicaksana ("Loyal and Wise Knights")
- Combat Engineer Corps: Yudha Karya Satya Bhakti ("Loyal in Battles and Developments")
- Signal Corps: Cighra Apta Nirbhaya ("Fast, Exact, Secure")
- Psychological Corps : Upakriya Labdha Prayojana Balottama ("Purpose of The Unit is to Give The Best Service to The Nation by Finding The Perfect Soldier")
- Equipment Corps: Dwi Cakti Bhakti
- Medical Corps: Hesti Wira Sakti
- Army Research and Development Corps: Satiti Cakti Bhakti ("Make a Great Power for Serving The Nation")
- Army Strategic Command: Yudha Nirbaya Bhakti
- Army Raider Battalions: Cepat, Tepat, Senyap ("Fast, Exact, Quiet")
- Army Special Forces Command: Berani, Benar, Berhasil ("Brave, Right, Successful")
- Military Academy: Adhitakarya Mahatvavirya Nagarabhakti (Hard-working Knight Serving Bravery as Nations Hero")
- Navy Units
- Navy Seaman Corps: Jalesveva Jayamahe ("On The Sea We Are Glorious")
- Marine Corps: Jalesu Bhumyamca Jayamahe ("On The Sea and Land We Are Glorious")
- Navy Frogmen: Tan Hana Wighna Tan Sirna ("No Difficulties Can Not Conquered")
- Navy Submarine Unit: Wira Ananta Rudira ("Steadfast until The End")
- Navy Amphibious Ships Unit: Dwi Daya Yudha ("Two Powers in Battles", referring to amphibious properties of the ship)
- Naval Academy: Hree Dharma Shanty ("Embarrassed for Doing The Defects")
- Navy Military Police: Wijna Wira Widhayaka ("Knightful and Wise Rule Upholders")
- Naval Hydro-oceanographic Service: Jala Citra Praja Yodha ("Mapping The Sea for Nations' Glory")
- KRI Sultan Hasanuddin-366, a SIGMA corvette bought from the Netherlands: Bertempur dan Menang ("Fight and Win")
- Air Force Units
- Air Force Special Forces Korps: Karmanye Vadikaraste Mafalesu Kadatjana ("Working Without Counting The Profit and Loss")
- Air Force Military Police: Wira Waksita ("Skilled and Alerted Knights")
- Air Force Academy: Vidya Karma Vira Pakca
- National Police Units
- Mobile Brigade Corps: Jiwa Ragaku untuk Kemanusiaan (My All Life for Humanities")
- Traffic Regulator Corps: Dharmakerta Marga Raksyaka
- Detective Corps: Sidik Sakti Indera Waspada
- Police Academy: Dharma, Bijaksana, Ksatria ("Best-serviced, Wise and Knightful")
Israel
Military Unit Mottos: Israel
- Israeli Defence Forces
- Duvdevan, (lit.: cherry): Ki b'Tahbulot, Ta'ase-l'kha milhama (For by clever deception thou shalt wage war. (Proverbs 24:6))
- Givati Brigade: Yehidat Sgula (A Unit of Virtue, also means: purple - the brigade's beret color)
- Israeli Armored Corps: Ha-Adam She-ba-Tank Yenatze'ah (The Man in the Tank Shall Win)
- Israeli Armored Corps: Ba-makom bo ya'atsru ha-zchalim, sham yikava ha gvool (In the Place where the [tank] Treads Stop, There the Border Will Be Decided [marked/drawn])
- Israeli Artillery Corps: Bli Siyua, Ha-chir Lo Yanua (Without Support, the Infantry Won't Move)
- Israeli Artillery Corps: artilerya malkat Hakrav (Hebrew: ארטילריה מלכת הקרב) (Artillery is the Queen of Battle)
- Israeli Engineering Corps: Rishonim Tamid (Hebrew: ראשונים תמיד) (Always First)
- Israeli Engineering Corps: Et ha-Kashe Naase Hayom, Et ha-Bilti Efshari Naase Machar (Hebrew: את הקשה נעשה היום, את הבלתי אפשרי נעשה מחר) (The hard we shall do today, the impossible we shall do tomorrow)
- Israeli Education and Youth Corps Tzava Boneh Am boneh Tzava (Hebrew: צבא בונה עם בונה צבא) (An Army Builds a Nation [which] Builds an Army)
- Israeli Intelligence Corps: Lecha Dumiya Tehila (Silence is praise to You; Psalms 65:2)
- Israeli Medical Corps: Ha-matsil nefesh achat, keilu hitsil olam shalem (he who saves one soul, it is as if he saves a whole world)
- Israeli Navy: Vayerd MeYam Ad Yam, Uminahar Ad Afsey Aretz, Lefanav Yichreu Tziyim (He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. Navies shall bow before him; Psalm 72:8,9)
- Nahal Brigade: Hayitaron ha-Enoshi (The Human Advantage)
- Paratroopers Brigade: Nizom, Novil, Ne'haveh Dugma VeNenaze'ah (We shall Innovate, Lead, Set an Example - and Win)
- Sayeret Matkal (General Staff Reconnaissance Unit): Mi Sheme'ez, Menatze'ah (מי שמעז מנצח) (He Who Dares Wins)
- Shayetet 13 She'hagalim mitchazkim, hachazakim mitgalim (כשהגלים מתחזקים החזקים מתגלים) (When the waves grow stronger, the strong men are revealed).
- Mossad: Be'ein Tachbulot Yipol Am, Uteshua Berov Yoetz (Where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety; Proverbs 11:14)
- SHABAK: Magen Ve-Lo Yira'e (Defender Who Shall Not Have Fear / Defender Who Shall Not Be Seen)
Italy
- Italian Army: lat. Salus Rei Publicae Suprema Lex Esto (The Safeguard of the Republic shall be the Supreme Law)
- Italian Navy: it. Patria e Onore (Country and Honor)
- Italian Air Force: lat. Virtute Siderum Tenus (With Valour to the Stars)
- Corps of Carabineers (it. Arma dei Carabinieri): it. Nei Secoli Fedele (Faithful through the Centuries)
- Corazzieri (The Cuirassiers' Regiment): lat. Virtus in Periculis Firmior (Courage becomes stronger in Danger)
- Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police): lat. Nec Recisa Recedit (Not Even Broken Retreats)
- Polizia di Stato (State Police): lat. Sub Lege Libertas (Under the Law Freedom)
- Polizia Penitenziaria (Penitentiary Police): lat. Despondere Spem Munus Nostrum (Ensure the Hope is Our Role)
- State Forestry Corps (Italian: Corpo Forestale dello Stato) lat. Pro Natura Opus et Vigilantia (Surveillanca fot the Nature and the Work)
- Vigili del Fuoco (Fire Service) lat. Flammas Domamus Donamus Cordem (We tame the Flames, We give the Hearts)
- Corpo Militare della Croce Rossa Italiana lat. Inter Arma Caritas
- Corpo Militare dell'Esercito dell'Associazione dei Cavalieri Italiani del Sovrano Militare Ordine di Malta (ACISMOM), E.I.-S.M.O.M. lat. Fortitudo et Sanitas
- Corpo delle Infermiere Volontarie dell'Associazione dei Cavalieri Italiani del Sovrano Militare Ordine di Malta (ACISMOM) lat. Fortitudo et Sanitas
- Military Ordinariate in Italy (it. Ordinariato Militare in Italia) lat. Fides, Charitas, Spes (Faith, Charity, Hope)
Lebanon
- Lebanese Army: شرف تضحية وفاء Sharf Tadhiyah Wafaa (Honor, Sacrifice, Loyalty)
Malaysia
Malaysian Army: Gagah Setia (Strong and Loyal)
Royal Ranger Regiment: Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban (Whilst there is life,there is fight)
- 1st Rangers
- 2nd Rangers: Osiou oh Kamanang (Who Dares Wins in Kadazandusun)
- 3rd Rangers: Biar Putih Tulang
- 4th Rangers: Jadi Yang Terbaik (Be the Best)
- 5th Rangers: Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban; previous Motto was Berjuang terus Berjuang (Keep on Fighting)
- 6th Rangers
- 7th Rangers (Mechanized): Cekal Perkasa (Determined and Strong)
- 8th Rangers (Para)
- 9th Rangers: Siau bani Manang (Who Dares Wins in Bajau)
- 10th Rangers
Note: The 1st,5th,6th,8th and 10th Rangers uses the same motto,which is Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban.
Rejimen Sempadan (Border Regiment): Setia Waspada (Loyal and Alert)
Rejimen Semboyan Diraja (Royal Signs Regiment): Pantas dan Pasti (Swift and Sure)
Kor Agama Angkatan Tentera (Religious Corps of the Armed Forces of Malaysia): Berjuang Berakhlak
Kor Armor DiRaja (Royal Armored Corps): Bersatu (United)
Kor Risik DiRaja (Royal Intelligence Corps): Pintar dan Cergas (Intelligent and Active)
Royal Malaysian Navy:Sedia Berkorban (Ready to Sacrifice)
Royal Malaysian Air Force: Sentiasa di Angkasa Raya (Always in the Skies)
Netherlands
Royal Dutch Army:
- 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade: Nec Temere, Nec Timide ("Neither rashly nor timidly")
- 11 Garderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers: Grenadiers vooraan! ("Grenadiers in front!") and Allez chasse!
- 17 Garderegiment Fuseliers Prinses Irene: Volo et Valeo ("I want it, So I can do it")
- 12 Regiment Van Heutsz: Het moet, dus het kan ("It must, so it can")
- 11 luchtverdedigingscompagnie: Untuk keamanan saya yang atur ("We are there for protection")
- Korps Commandotroepen: Nunc aut Nunquam ("Now or Never")
Royal Dutch Navy:
- Netherlands Marine Corps: Qua Patet Orbis ("As Far As The World Extends")
- Unit Intervention Marines: Semper Paratus Pro Justitia (Always ready for justice)
Royal Netherlands Airforce:
- 303 Squadron: Servans in periculo
- 322 Squadron: Niet praten, maar doen! (Don't Talk, But Do)
Norway
| Military Motto |
Motto |
Language |
Translation |
| Norwegian Defence Force |
For Fred og Frihet |
Norwegian |
"For peace and freedom" |
| Norwegian Army Artilleribataljonen (Artillery Battalion) |
Gjør ræt - Frykt ingen! |
Old Norwegian |
"Do right - Fear no-one!" |
| Hans Majestet Kongens Garde (HMKG) (His Majesty The King's Guard) |
Alt for Kongen |
Norwegian |
"Everything for the King" |
| Panserbataljonen (Armored Battalion) |
Bitit Fyrst |
Old Norse |
"Strike First" |
| Oppklaringseskadron (Recon Unit) |
Ser alt, alltid |
Norwegian |
"Sees all, always" |
| Ingeniørvåpenet (Engineers regiment) |
Ubique Que fas et gloria ducunt |
Latin |
"Everywhere Where Right and Glory Lead" |
| 2. Bataljon (2nd Battalion) |
In hoc Signo Vinces |
Latin |
"In this sign you shall conquer" |
| Heimevernet (Home Guard) |
Verner - Vokter - Virker |
Norwegian |
"Protects - Guards - Acts" |
| Royal Norwegian Air Force (Luftforsvaret) |
For Konge og Fedreland |
Norwegian |
"For King and Country" |
| Royal Norwegian Navy (Sjøforsvaret) |
For Konge, Fedreland og Flaggets Hæder |
Old Norwegian |
"For King, Country and the Honor of the Flag" |
Pakistan
- Pakistan Army (Urdu: پاک فوج) Motto (Urdu): Iman, Taqwa, Jihad fi Sabilillah (English translation: "Faith, Piety, Struggle in the way of God")
- Pakistan Air Force (Urdu: پاک فضائیه) Motto (Persian): Sahrast ke daryast tah-e-bal-o-par-e-mast (English translation: "Lord of all I survey")
- No. 9 Squadron: "How high you fly depends on how brave you are"
- No. 11 Squadron: "Your destination is beyond everyone else’s destination"
- No. 14 Squadron: "Bold and fearless, endowed with undaunted spirit and great measure of heavenly might"
- Pakistan Navy (Urdu: پاک بحریہ) Motto (Urdu): (English translation: "A silent force to be reckoned with")
- Pakistan Marines (Urdu: پا مير ينز) Motto (Arabic): (English translation: "And hold fast to the rope of God and do not be divided")
- Pakistan Rangers (Urdu: پاکستان رینجرز) Motto (Urdu): داﯾمً ﺳﺎﮪرً Daaeman Saaheran (English translation: "Ever Ready")
Philippines
- Armed Forces of The Philippines
- Philippine Army: "At your service, across the land"
- Philippine 1st Scout Ranger Regiment:We Strike
- 1st Special Forces Airborne Regiment (Philippine Army):Anytime Anywhere
- Philippine Marine Corps:Karangalan, Katungkulan, Kabayanihan "Honor, Duty, Valor"
- Philippine Marine Corps Force Recon Battalion:Recon
- Philippine Air Force:The "First Force"
Portugal
Sri Lanka
Military Unit Mottos: Sri Lanka
Sweden
- Livgardet: Possunt nec posse videntur (They can what it seems they cannot)
- Norbottens regemente: De hava aldrig svikit eller för egen del tappat (They have never failed or for their own part lost)
- Artilleriregementet: Ultima ratio regum (The last resort of kings)
- Luftvärnsregementet: Semper metam contingimus (We always reach our goals)
- Livregementets husarer: Pergite!(Forward!)
- Norrlands ingenjörkompani: Nos nihil efficere non possumus: To us, nothing is impossible
United Kingdom
Military Unit Mottos: United Kingdom
- British SAS: Who dares, wins.
United States
Vietnam
References