Semper anticus
“Always forward.”
Motto of the U.S. 45th Infantry Division
What does “Semper anticus” mean?
Semper anticus translates as “Always forward.”
Keep pressing ahead and never fall back.
“Semper anticus” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Semper | always | adverb; invariable, so it never changes form |
| anticus | forward, in front | nominative masculine singular of the adjective anticus, “front, foremost”, formed from ante, “before” |
How to pronounce “Semper anticus”
Both pronunciations sound the same here. Semper is stressed on its first syllable and anticus on its second, TI, because that i is long.
The story behind it
Word for word the motto says “always forward”, or more literally “always in front”. Anticus is a genuine Latin adjective meaning “front” or “foremost”, formed from the preposition ante, “before”; Romans used it for the front part of things, in contrast to posticus, “rear”.
As a motto it belongs to the U.S. 45th Infantry Division and to its successor, the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. It is a modern military motto, not a line from an ancient author.
Using an adjective where English says the adverb “forward” is a little unusual in strict Latin, so the phrase reads as a compact military motto rather than polished classical prose. Its spirit, however, is clear and widely understood.
How to use “Semper anticus”
A fitting tattoo or engraving for veterans, service members and their families, especially those connected to the 45th Infantry. It also suits a team or personal motto about persistence, or a caption for a photo of a hard climb or a new start.
- Latin
- Semper anticus
- English
- Always forward.
- Source
- Motto of the U.S. 45th Infantry Division
- Era
- Modern
- Theme
- Courage
Common mistakes
- It is not an ancient Roman saying. It is a modern military motto built from real Latin words.
- Anticus is an adjective, not an adverb, so a strict classicist might expect a different construction. For a tattoo, decide knowingly whether you want the traditional motto wording.
- Do not confuse anticus with antiquus, “old, ancient”. One letter changes the meaning completely.
- Changing the gender or number changes the ending: feminine is antica, and a plural group would be antici.
Questions about “Semper anticus”
What does “Semper anticus” mean literally?
“Always forward”, or more literally “always in front”. Semper is “always”, and anticus is “front” or “foremost”.
Who uses the motto “Semper anticus”?
It is the motto of the U.S. 45th Infantry Division and its successor, the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
How do you pronounce “Semper anticus”?
Say SEM-per an-TEE-koos in both Classical and Church Latin. The i of anticus is long, so it carries the stress.
Is “Semper anticus” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Both words are real Latin, but the phrase is a modern motto, not classical prose. If you want it as the 45th Infantry uses it, it is fine as written. A classical alternative such as “Semper prorsum” (always forward) is an option.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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