Air Force Core Values: Integrity is more than just a word Published Nov. 5, 2008 By Master Sgt. Chris D. Vossmer Forrest L. Vosler Non-Commissioned Officers Academy PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Continuing with the Year of Leadership; we will look at our Core Values during November. You may be saying to yourself, "I know our core values." But do you? There is much more to our core values than Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do. We will look at these in a three part series throughout the month. This week we will address Integrity. Integrity, as defined in Webster's dictionary, is an "adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty." We have all heard that integrity is doing what's right, even if no one is looking. So how do you judge integrity? Can you see it, taste it, smell it? Is it something tangible? Integrity is the entire moral character of a person; it is who we are. It is our morals that have been developed from childhood. It is our ethics that tell us right from wrong. Integrity is the single most important part of character. It is who we are, as a service and a nation. We, as members of the armed services of the United States, are entrusted with the defense of our nation and its people. No other profession is expected to put their life on the line for the good of their country, for the principle of freedom. This professional integrity is expected in us as leaders of our nation's defense. American taxpayers expect us to have the integrity to make sound decisions in the best interest of our nation. On August 12, Gen. Norton Schwartz was sworn in to office as our 19th Air Force chief of staff. During his press conference, he charged every Airman to get "back to basics." He said the Air Force must "maintain the nation's trust by applying the 'back-to-basics' standards of precision and reliability in the execution of every mission." Getting back to basics includes the core values. Somewhere along the way we have lost site of our core values. They are not just words in a little blue book; they define who we are as a force. Integrity is more than just a word, it is: Courage - to stand up and do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. Honesty - to be trustworthy, responsible; your word is your vow. Responsibility - to accept leadership roles and make the tough decisions. Accountability - to have the courage and honesty to accept responsibility for your actions and those of your subordinates. Justice - to distribute rewards and punishment equally across the board. Openness - to accept and encourage the open flow of communication. Don't "sugar coat" a situation just for the sake of someone's feelings. Self-respect - to believe in yourself and carry yourself as a member of the profession of arms, regardless of whether you're on or off duty and on or off base. Faith in yourself to be more than a small part of something huge, but more like an integral part of the USAF! Humility - Even though we are the greatest military force on the face of the planet, we must still remember the expectations placed upon us by the American people and the awesome responsibility of supporting and defending the U.S.A. Honor - to adhere to the principles of what is right and wrong, being proud and noble and remembering those who have served before us. When integrity ceases, discipline falters, thus endangering the mission. Let's maintain our integrity while we get back to basics! (Editor's Note: This article is one of several highlighting the Air Force Space Command Year of Leadership and its focus on Core Values)