It is the manner in which a soldier lives their life, that determines their actions. Regardless of past or present beliefs, there is a collection of values that has been crafted to assist us in navigating the difficulties we encounter in life and combat. These Army Values serve as a guide for our ethical and moral behavior.
Since the start of Basic Combat Training, we soldiers are instructed on the Army Values - a set of seven words that profoundly influence our lives. These values encompass loyalty, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. While these values align with societal norms as we mature, they hold even greater significance for us in The Army. They function as our compass for ethical and moral judgments in all aspects of our decision-making.
The Army's definition of loyalty is centered around sincere faith and allegiance to the
...U.S. constitution, The Army, one's unit, and fellow soldiers. Loyalty entails dedicating oneself to service, supporting peers, and defending the country without concern for the consequences. Despite facing obstacles, it is crucial to persist in fulfilling our responsibilities which we have committed to. As children, we were introduced to various household tasks like washing dishes and taking out the trash.
Regardless of the circumstances, meeting our responsibilities was crucial. This holds true for The Army as well, albeit to a certain extent. Respect is an essential value in both The Army and society overall. Demonstrating respect towards others is vital for fostering harmony and avoiding conflicts. In The Army, we are educated about the importance of showing deference to our superiors and respecting others' possessions, which becomes even more significant considering that w
often spend more time with fellow soldiers than with our own families.
It is challenging to uphold the value of putting others and one's country before oneself, but it is highly commendable. This demonstrates significant dedication and honor in prioritizing others, particularly considering we only have one life. Pat Tillman's story serves as an example of this level of commitment. Despite being a professional football player, he made the decision to depart from the NFL and its financial benefits following the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center so that he could join the army. Tillman opted to defend his country and safeguard our freedoms.
The story of him and others like him serves as a powerful example of selfless service, showcasing the Army Value of integrity. This value holds the most importance for me, as it means doing what is right not only under supervision but also when no one is watching. It requires discipline, self-respect, and respect for others to adhere to what is legally and morally right. As soldiers, we have a great responsibility to make righteous decisions both on active duty and off-duty in order to fulfill our mission. Staying out of trouble is crucial for maintaining unit readiness, and our integrity acts as our guiding principle in making the best choices.
Gaining the trust of those we serve is crucial. Stories of individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation can be found everywhere. These brave individuals confront fear, danger, and adversity head-on with unwavering determination and personal courage. They prioritize others' lives and hold love for country above their own, even if it means paying the ultimate price. Such
soldiers truly embody Army Values, acting honorably and doing whatever is necessary for our country's sake. As soldiers, we should strive to serve with honor as a way of showing respect to those who came before us and our country itself. It is essential to live by these Army Values.
Take pride in our work, our specific MOS, and the responsibility of representing our profession to the best of our ability. The Army Values are not merely words; they guide our conduct and define our standard. By embracing these values, we not only become better citizens, but also healthier and more productive soldiers.
We develop a stronger ability to withstand adversity, fostering unity in The Army. These principles can be observed in our Creeds, demonstrated by our leaders and peers. It is our responsibility to uphold the profession, serving as followers, servant leaders, and ambassadors for our Great Nation.
