The Reasons Why The Army Values Are Important

Loyalty, duty, selfless service, respect, honor, integrity and personal courage are the values of the United States Army. While most understand and know the meaning of each word in our core values, they often fall short when it comes to living up to them. We are not only taught these values, but are also trained to live by them. In my opinion, these values are the foundation for good soldiering in the Army. Loyalty is to show forth strong support and allegiance to the US Army and all those with whom we serve. In doing so, we are showing forth commitment to a person or a purpose. In essence, to be a loyal soldier is to show support the actions taken by leadership and to have faith that their actions are for our good.

Loyalty is matured through trust of others, especially those in positions of leadership. Duty is a task or action to be performed. Accomplishing our duty is not just simply carrying out our personal tasks, but it's also being ready and able to make accomplishments as a part of a team. Duty is what we need to complete our assignment. It removes those things that would hinder our success. Duty causes us to go above and beyond the standard to ensure we get the job done. As leaders, we assume the responsibility of the actions, failures and accomplishments of our soldiers. We must remember that our duty is our moral, legal obligation and responsibility.

Selfless service is being concerned more with the needs of others rather than our own. As it pertains to the Army, it is putting the welfare of the nation, the Army and our subordinates above our own. Selfless service is loyally doing our duty without thought of recognition. FM 7-22.7 placing your soldiers welfare before your personal desires has always been key to the uniqueness of the American NCO. Respect is regard for the feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of others. Each of us has the responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect. Respect is regard for the feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of others. Each of us has the responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect.

An important part of the Army value, respect, is self respect. Character, honesty, trust, understanding and self awareness are all a part of respect. If we are not able to have respect for ourselves, we will find it difficult to respect others. Honor is to adhere to what is right. It is living up to Army values. When we respect selfless service and loyalty, we receive honor. Honor is shown when we walk in integrity and fulfill our commitment or simply do what we say we will do. Keeping our word is key in receiving honor. The ability to carry out the values of respect, selfless service, loyalty, duty and personal courage is honor and gains us the title of honorable.

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. What you do when no one is watching. We will not be deceptive if we walk in integrity because it keeps us honest and wanting to do what's right consistently. Personal courage is the ability to do what frightens us. To move forward with our mission in the face of fear. Personal courage is both physical and mental because we often have to endure personal injury and stress as well as be willing to face challenges that we may be worried about facing.