Not every soldier can be the strongest, the fastest or even the most lethal on the battlefield but there are guidelines that every soldier gets engraved during their time at Basic Combat Training that can assist them in any situation. These guidelines are known as the Army Values and consist of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless service, Honor, Integrity and Personal courage. There are many people who have knowledge of these words but very few who know the true meaning behind these core values or even how to live up to them. Each of them has a unique meaning
The Army Values serve as the baseline and the foundation for every soldier serving within the Army. In order to uphold the values, soldiers must first hold themselves to a higher standard and adhere absolute loyalty to the United States of America.
They are expected to be accountable for every action they take and the decisions they make whether or not they are on or off duty. That is the obligation soldiers take when they decide to raise their right hand and serve their country. In addition, upholding the Army values represents the reputation that soldiers must preserve while being in the United States Army. There are no exceptions, it is the duty of all service members to uphold the standards. Every soldier is a mirror image of what it takes to be a soldier and all the sacrifices that have been made since June 14th, 1775.
The Army Values consist of the principles and standards deemed necessary for the success of Non-Commissioned Officers. Army Doctrine Publication 6-22 defines leadership as, “the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization …
Army leaders motivate people both inside and outside the chain of command to pursue actions, focus thinking and shape decisions for the greater good of the organization.” Teaching and upholding the Army values is an important responsibility for the NCO because it creates a common understanding of the values and the expected standards within the military. The NCO has must lead by example that way their presence will emanate within his unit and reflect upon the actions of their soldiers and peers. Teaching the values also helps with how proficient their element is when it comes to their deployment readiness and resiliency by demonstrating personal courage while down range in a combat zone.
What the Army would be without the Army values…
It is hard to believe that people do not understand the significance of the seven core values and what it means to wear the uniform. No matter how long they serve in the military, soldiers are still a part of the one percent of elite Americans who had the privilege and honor to serve their country.
References
- Army Values – Official Website
- Soldiers Must Live Army’s New Values to Help Prevent Hazing, Suicides, Sexual Assaults
- Army Core Values and What They Mean to Me
- Book Review: Breaching the Lance Corporal Barricade: The Creation of the Modern NCO Corps in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard by DENNIS L. BARKER (Author)
- Official Website of the United States Army Reserve
- Army Ranks and Insignia – Military Benefits
- Official Website of the National Guard