Many people know what the words Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage mean. But how often do you see someone actually live up to them, or commit to them as their core value system? Soldiers learn these values in a very detailed manner, from then on they live them every day in everything they do — whether they’re on the job or off. In short, the various Core Army Values listed below defines the true meaning of a Soldier and what being a Soldier is all about.
LOYALTY
Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the Army, you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.
DUTY
Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities — all in constant motion. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take shortcuts that might undermine the integrity of the final product.
RESPECT
In the Soldier’s Code, they pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows them to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of them has something to contribute.Treat people as they should be treated.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself. The soldiers are committed to what’s right, legally and morally.
PERSONAL COURAGE
Personal courage has long been associated with the Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable. Soldiers face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral) but their personal courage helps them to overcome all of them.