In the forward to MCDP 1-0, Marine Corps Operations you will find this quote.
It reflects the notion that "words matter", providing definitions of key operational terms to ensure that Marines speak a common operational language
The fact that “words matter” is encoded in Marine Corps doctrine. Operationally, without clear communication, intent is lost, and objectives are not met.
This is a rebuttal I wrote in response to being accused of misconduct.
In the end, the rebuttal didn’t matter. I was administratively discharged. The words didn’t matter.
It would take a few months before the judiciary would place an injunction on the United States Marine Corps, and then a couple more for the legislature to pass a bill rescinding the mandate for the entirety of the DoD.
To this day you’ll still hear people talking about this thing as if it had ever been a lawful order, but “words matter”.
When I was around 8 years old. One day, I was coming home from school. Unbeknownst to me a the time, apparently, the school had called and said that I had stolen some kids’ lunch. The only problem, this was a lie. My father however decided to act on this lie. He proceeded to take me into the basement and beat me with a belt. He beat me until I started to cry and proceeded to beat me more. He was beating me to get me to admit that I had stolen this kid’s lunch. What is an 8-year-old supposed to do in that situation? Continue to be beaten while sticking up for the truth, or lie to get rid of the pain?
Words. Matter.
For more parts of the story about my discharge.