Air Force Core Values

At the heart and soul of our profession, the USAF recognizes our core values as universal, consistent standards used to evaluate the ethical climate of all USAF organizations. When needed in the cauldron of war, core values are the beacons that light the path of professional conduct and the highest ideals. The three USAF Core Values: - Integrity First - Service Before Self - Excellence In All We Do

Each core value is further defined by virtues — desired behaviors and characteristics we must practice and demonstrate in our daily lives. Consistently practicing these virtues produces habits of honorable thought and action, producing a USAF professional. USAF professionalism is a shared belief in, and commitment to, honorable service based on our core values. Values should motivate attitudes and actions both on and off duty. Being part of the USAF community requires a commitment to living by these values at all times.

Integrity provides the bedrock for our military endeavors and is fortified by service to country. It is the compass that keeps us on the right path when confronted with ethical challenges and personal temptations — and the foundation upon which trust and respect are built. Integrity is doing the right thing, all the time — whether everyone is watching, or no one is watching. An individual realizes integrity when thoughts and actions align with what is known to be right. Following principles, acting with honor, maintaining independent judgment, and performing duties with impartiality help maintain integrity and avoid conflicts of interest. *"The foundation of our Profession of Arms is, and has always been, respect. That is a non-negotiable principle that supports the Integrity, Service and Excellence of our great Air Force."* — CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass, 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

The virtues of Integrity First are honesty, courage, and accountability. Honesty is the hallmark of integrity. As public servants, we are trusted agents. Honesty requires us to: - Evaluate our performance against standards - Conscientiously and accurately report findings Our word must be unquestionable — the only way to preserve the trust and respect we hold for one another and the population we serve.

Courage is not the absence of fear — but doing the right thing despite fear. Courage empowers us to: - Take necessary personal or professional risks - Make decisions that may be unpopular - Admit our mistakes Having the courage to take these actions is crucial for the mission, the USAF, and the nation.

Accountability instills our responsibility while maintaining transparency and ownership for our actions — whether to: - The American people - Our units - Our supervisors - Our fellow Airmen - Our families and loved ones - And even ourselves Accountable individuals maintain transparency, seek honest and constructive feedback, and take ownership of the outcomes of their actions and decisions.

Service Before Self represents an abiding dedication to the age-old military virtue of selfless dedication to duty — including putting one's life at risk if called to do so. Professional duties take precedence over personal desires. Airmen are practitioners of the profession of arms, entrusted with the security of the nation, the protection of its citizens, and the preservation of their way of life. In this capacity, Airmen serve as guardians of America's future. Service to country requires not only a high degree of skill, but also a willingness to make personal sacrifices — the heart and mindset for service that allows us to embrace expectations not levied on the American public or other professions.

The virtues of Service Before Self are duty, loyalty, and respect. Duty is the obligation to perform what is required for the mission. While our responsibilities are determined by the law, the Department of Defense, and USAF instructions, directives, and guidance — our sense of duty is a personal one, bound by the oath of service we took as individuals. Duty sometimes calls for sacrifice in ways no other profession has or will. Airmen who truly embody Service Before Self consistently choose to make necessary sacrifices to accomplish the mission — and in doing so, honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Loyalty is an internal commitment to the success and preservation of something bigger than ourselves. Our loyalty is to: 1. The nation first 2. The values and commitments of our USAF second 3. The men and women with whom we serve Loyalty to our leaders requires us to trust, follow, and execute their decisions — even when we disagree. We offer alternative solutions and innovative ideas most effectively through the chain of command. Leaders demonstrate loyalty by respecting those who serve and treating them with dignity, compassion, and true concern for their well-being and professional development.

Respect encompasses three dimensions: - Self-respect - Mutual respect - Organizational respect We must honor the USAF and others by following our words with actions.

Excellence In All We Do directs us to develop a sustained passion for continuous improvement and innovation that propels the USAF — and ourselves — beyond the capabilities of our adversaries. Excellence does not mean we demand perfection in everything from everyone. Rather, it means we continuously advance our craft and increase our knowledge as Airmen. Airmen who live Excellence: - Seek out opportunities and complete developmental education - Stay in physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and moral shape - Continuously enhance professional competencies - Maintain job skills, knowledge, and personal readiness at the highest possible levels We must have a passion for deliberate continuous improvement and innovation that propels the USAF to "accelerate change or lose now."

The virtues of Excellence In All We Do are mission, discipline, and teamwork. Mission focus encompasses operations and excellence in stewardship. The complex undertaking of the USAF mission requires us to harness the ingenuity, expertise, and elbow grease of all Airmen. We approach the mission with: - Respect and pride - Innovation - A commitment to anticipate and embrace change Our work areas, processes, and interpersonal interactions must be undeniably professional and positive. Our people are the platform for delivering continuous process improvements, innovative ideas, strategies, and technologies to the overall mission.

Discipline is an individual commitment to uphold the highest of personal and professional standards. We demonstrate discipline in: - Attitude - Work ethic - Effort directed at continuous improvement Whether pursuing professional military education or nurturing ourselves physically, intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually — our appearance, actions, professionalism, and words (spoken and written) represent the USAF and shape our culture and the reputation of the entire military profession.

Teamwork is essential to triumph at every level. Airmen recognize the interdependency of every member's contribution toward the mission and strive for organizational excellence. We: - Give our personal best - Challenge and motivate each other to give their best - Gain respect through our actions and strong work ethic - Build team trust We carry our own weight — and whenever necessary, help our wingmen carry theirs.