The Core Principles Of Army Values

The seven Army Values, created January 13th, 1998 by the Chief Of Staff to the Army. The values are the backbone of the Army and encompassing these values are the first step into the entrance of the Army. Soldiers are required to achieve and maintain these core principles to have a successful career. When soldiers embody the Army values, we can successfully complete our mission with minimal regrets.

The Army defines loyalty as bearing “true faith and allegiance to the U.S constitution, the Army, your unit and other soldiers” (army.mil). Understanding where your allegiances lie is important to every Army Soldier. Not understanding the true meaning of loyalty, we are unable to understand what we are truly fighting for. Without loyalty, we would be unwilling to do what is necessary for our country. Being devoted and loyal to the Army, creates the essence of self-sacrifice.

Duty is the fulfillment of our obligations. A strong work ethic is necessary to complete daily tasks and is a requirement for mission success. George S. Patton once said, “Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. All men are afraid in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty. Duty is the essence of manhood' (BrainyQuote). Duty is a responsibility, a moral, and a legal obligation for every Army soldier.

The Army defines respect as treating people as they should be treated (army.mil). Respect is also performing tasks given to you without hesitation. The Army highly regards respect, as it is necessary for the well-being of all soldiers. Being able to take into consideration soldiers’ feelings, strengths, and weaknesses will create a strong and successful work environment. When we treat people as no more than they are, they will never be able to live up to their full potential. By treating them as more, and expecting more from them, we are able to see their full potential. With no respect, the work place becomes extremely hostile and unpleasant, a detriment to mission success.

Selfless service is putting the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own (army.mil). Being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary. Selfless service is making honorable decisions with no thought of self-gain. “You continue to live up to that value by following the orders of those appointed above you without question or doubt' (BartlebyWriting). The completion of our operations is based upon this value. Without this, we jeopardize our chances of success.

As soldiers we should all aim to live up to the army values (army.mil). Honor is the sum of all seven values. To have honor, you must respect and appreciate the Army. When you have honor, your subordinates and leaders can fully trust your actions with no hesitation. The commitment to honoring the Army is the understanding there is no need to be rewarded when appropriate actions are executed. Calvin Coolidge once said, “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave' (WiseOldSayings).

As Soldiers we should all do what is right, legally and morally (army.mil). The value of integrity is stressed upon soldiers from the moment they enter Basic Combat Training. We as soldiers are instilled with the concept of owning up to our mistakes. Integrity plays a major role in being a successful leader. When you make a mistake without taking ownership of it, your soldiers begin to not trust you and second-guess your decisions. Soldiers see that high level of integrity and respect you when you own up to your mistakes. Sometimes consequences are necessary to ensure the same issue does not take place again. A high level of integrity can sometimes stop everyone from being reprimanded, for one person's mistake. Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office' (BrainyQuote).

As Soldiers there is times where we need to face fear, danger or adversity (army.mil). Personal courage is when you overcome a precarious situation against your comfort. Often times, the mission may require you to overcome barriers and push your limits. A soldier must have confidence in his ability. Construction of this confidence begins at Basic Combat Training, where soldiers are pushed to their limits. That confidence will continue to build throughout their career, and be transferred to their subordinates. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along' (BrainyQuote).

In conclusion, by maintaining these core principles, we will be able to provide our soldiers with outstanding leadership. A proper leader takes these values into the highest regard and stresses them among other soldiers. To appropriately and successfully complete our missions, we must all live the Army values.