Character and competency Published April 28, 2009 By Lt. Col. Troy Endicott and Master Sgt. Justin Grady, 76th Space Control Squadron PETERSON AFB, Colo.-- -- In a recent Gallup Poll, two-thirds of Americans surveyed said they have a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in our service members, more than any other profession in a full range of government, religious, economic and medical organizations. Trust in the military is based on two factors: character and competency. Character to know the difference between right and wrong and competency to separate the two, especially when it comes to fighting our enemies. It's our character that earns America's trust, and our competency that keeps it. Is it possible to personify the Airman's Creed without character and competence? Our country depends upon us for its defense, and has put great trust in our judgment and capabilities. Sadly, there are examples in our military history that put America's trust in jeopardy--the1968 My Lai Massacre in Vietnam, the 2003 Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse in Iraq, and the 2007 mishandling of nuclear-equipped missiles unknowingly transported almost 1,500 miles on a B-52 bomber. Each incident stemmed from a breakdown in either character or competency. Such cases remind us we cannot afford to betray the American people, especially when any misstep may risk losing resources entrusted to us, or even worse, the precious lives of service members non-combatants, or our fellow citizens. We must never forget that we are held to a higher standard and required to exhibit character traits and qualities that promote the prompt and efficient resolution of problems. Good character requires doing the right thing, even when costly or risky. Character is deeper than reputation. Reputation is what others think of us, character is who we are when no one else is looking. Character is bolstered by a competency stemming from a sense of duty to fulfill tasks with reliability, dependability, commitment and expertise. Fortunately, each of us is surrounded by examples of character and competency every day. Most in our all-volunteer military are drawn to the idea of serving our country in uniform and doing something greater than oneself. As a result, many of us selflessly serve, proudly and passionately learn our trade, embrace increased responsibility and mentor those who follow in our footsteps. Our Air Force is an example of excellence begetting excellence. Such excellence is embodied by Staff Sgt. Travis Crosby, who in 2003 as a terminal attack controller was pinned down and surrounded by Soviet-era tanks in the marshes of Karbala, Iraq. The citation for his Silver Star reads, "Despite the constant rain of fire around his vehicle, Crosby was able to successfully empty his .50-caliber machine gun on the enemy soft-skin vehicles, killing more than 20 enemy personnel while simultaneously directing a precision strike by a flight of A-10s. He heroically risked life and limb by fully emerging from the protection of his vehicle and fired 15 rounds from his handgun, instantly killing attacking enemy soldiers. Throughout the 20-hour engagement, Sergeant Crosby deftly controlled eight flights of aircraft, destroying numerous enemy forces and pieces of warfighting equipment." Like all real heroes, he attributed his success to training, split-second reactions and teamwork. He saved the mission, and his comrades, without personal regard to his own safety. Perhaps there is no better description of character and competency. Finally, as President Woodrow Wilson once said "If you will think about what you ought to do for other people, your character will take care of itself."