Profession of Arms

No profession asks more of its members than the profession of arms. As stated in our Airman's Creed, we have answered our nation's call. It is a higher calling, and it comes with a higher standard. As the pacing threats of our strategic competitors continue to grow and evolve, it's crucial all Airmen understand how their profession connects with our mission of national security and defense of the homeland.

General Ronald Fogleman, the 15th Air Force Chief of Staff, once said: *"We are not engaged in just another job; we are practitioners of the profession of arms. We are entrusted with the security of our nation, the protection of our citizens and the preservation of its way of life. In this capacity, we serve as guardians of America's future. By its very nature, this responsibility requires us to place the needs of our service and our country before personal concerns."* That responsibility was given to each and every Airman who raised their right hand and swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

When we joined our USAF with a sacred oath, we accepted a sacred trust from the American people — one that goes beyond anything else in society. As members of a joint team, our profession is distinguished from others because of our expertise in the justified application of lethal military force and the willingness of those who pay the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. No other profession expects its members to lay down their lives for their friends, families, or freedoms — but it's what our profession readily expects.