10 Ways 'Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat' Defines Modern Military Valor And Pop Culture's Biggest Hero

The Latin phrase *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat*, translating to "Fortune favors the bold" or "Fortune helps the brave," remains one of the most powerful and enduring military mottos in the world today. Its resonance extends far beyond ancient Roman battlefields, serving as a core philosophical underpinning for modern naval strategy, elite ground forces, and, perhaps surprisingly, a major Hollywood action franchise. As of December 15, 2025, the phrase continues to be a subject of intense curiosity, driven by its deep historical significance and its prominent, yet sometimes debated, use within the United States military and international forces. This article dives into the history, the specific military units that use the motto, and the modern cultural phenomenon that has cemented *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat* as a timeless symbol of courage, calculated risk, and aggressive action in the face of uncertainty. The concept is simple: success is not guaranteed by passive waiting, but by decisive, brave movement.

The Ancient Roots and Historical Evolution of the Motto

The core idea behind *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat* is far older than the exact phrase we use today. This philosophical concept, which champions proactive courage over hesitant caution, has been a cornerstone of military doctrine since antiquity.

From Roman Comedy to the Battlefield

The most widely recorded version of the phrase, *Fortes fortuna iuvat* ("Fortune helps the strong/brave"), first appeared in the Roman playwright Terence’s comedy, *Phormio*, around 161 BC. While not originally a military maxim, its inherent message of decisiveness quickly resonated with Roman commanders. The phrase is often associated with the famed Roman general Julius Caesar, who reportedly used similar sentiments to inspire his troops before crucial engagements. This historical context established the motto as a fundamental principle of Roman military strategy: victory often belongs to the army willing to take the greater, more aggressive risk. The phrase essentially codified the belief that the divine or fate—personified by Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune—will only reward those who actively pursue their goals with valor.

Key Latin Variations and Meanings

The motto appears in several slightly different Latin forms, each carrying a similar, powerful intent:

• *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat*: Fortune favors the bold (the most common modern version).
• *Fortes Fortuna Iuvat*: Fortune helps the brave (the original Terence version).
• *Audentes Fortuna Iuvat*: Fortune favors the daring (a closely related phrase found in Virgil's *Aeneid*).

Regardless of the exact wording, the message remains the same: in high-stakes situations, hesitation is a greater enemy than the opponent itself.

Modern Military Units and the Motto's Enduring Appeal

The phrase *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat* has transcended millennia, becoming a powerful, official motto for several elite military organizations across the globe, particularly in naval and armored warfare where decisive action is paramount.

The United States Navy's Submarine Fleet

In the United States military, the motto is officially adopted by several key vessels and institutions, demonstrating its relevance in modern, high-tech warfare. It serves as the official motto for multiple US Navy ships, including:

• USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE-7): A Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship.
• USS La Jolla (SSN-701): A decommissioned Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine.
• USS Florida (SSGN-728): An Ohio-class cruise missile submarine (SSGN).
• USS Montpelier (SSN-765): Another active Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine.

The adoption of this motto by the submarine fleet is particularly significant. Submarine warfare demands extreme courage, calculated aggression, and the willingness to enter high-risk scenarios, making the philosophy of "fortune favors the bold" a practical necessity for success and survival. The phrase is also loosely associated with the US Naval Academy.

International Forces and Ground Units

The principle is not exclusive to American forces. Internationally, the concept of *Fortes fortuna iuvat* is the official motto of:

• The Jutland Dragoon Regiment: A prominent armored unit in the Royal Danish Army. This connection highlights the motto's suitability for armored units that rely on rapid, aggressive maneuvers and overwhelming force.

The John Wick Phenomenon: Pop Culture's Role in Modernizing the Phrase

In recent years, the phrase *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat* has experienced an unprecedented surge in public recognition, largely due to its prominent feature in the *John Wick* film series. This pop culture exposure has inadvertently cemented the phrase's status as a symbol of elite military background and lethal efficiency.

The Assassin's Tattoo and Marine Corps Speculation

The character John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, has a large, visible back tattoo that reads "Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat." This tattoo immediately sparked widespread speculation among fans and military analysts regarding Wick's fictional background. Many sources, including military-focused publications, have noted that the phrase is a loose translation of the motto for the United States Marine Corps 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3 Marines). While the exact Latin phrase is not the official motto of any Marine unit, the strong association in the public consciousness has led to the common (though debated) belief that the tattoo confirms Wick as a former Marine veteran, specifically from the 2/3 Marines. This cinematic link has introduced the phrase to a new generation, associating it with the highest levels of combat skill and psychological fortitude.

The Philosophy of Action in Modern Context

The reason *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat* resonates so strongly in both the military and the John Wick universe is its powerful psychological message, which is central to the philosophy of action. The motto is a constant reminder that in combat, indecision is fatal. It encourages a mindset of seizing the initiative, a critical component of successful military strategy, often termed Auftragstaktik (mission-type tactics) or maneuver warfare. For a soldier or sailor, embracing this motto means:

• Calculated Risk: Not reckless abandon, but the willingness to execute a high-risk plan when the potential reward outweighs the danger.
• Decisiveness: Moving quickly and aggressively once a decision is made, preventing the enemy from reacting.
• Psychological Edge: Projecting an aura of confidence and determination, which can break the enemy's will to fight.

This philosophy is what links the ancient Roman legionaries, the modern US Navy submarine crews conducting high-stakes submarine warfare, the Royal Danish Army tank operators, and the fictional assassin John Wick: they all rely on their training and their willingness to be the aggressor.

The Legacy of Bravery and Tactical Aggression

The enduring power of *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat* is testament to the timeless nature of courage in conflict. From the historical context provided by the Roman playwright Terence in his work *Phormio* to the modern-day operational mottos of the USS Florida (SSGN-728) and the Jutland Dragoon Regiment, the phrase serves as a rallying cry for those who understand that fortune is not a passive gift. The motto is a concise statement on the relationship between action and fate: the brave create their own luck. Whether inspiring a young recruit at the Naval Academy, marking the hull of the USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE-7), or being recognized by millions of movie-goers thanks to the John Wick franchise, *Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat* remains the ultimate declaration of tactical aggression and unwavering resolve. The phrase ensures that the philosophy of the bold will continue to shape military thought and inspire acts of supreme valor for generations to come.