Code of Ethics

As a member of the USAF, you must practice the highest standards of conduct and integrity — not only in your job, but also in your relationships, personal financial dealings, and interactions with the civilian community. Moral values describe what we hold to be right and wrong. Ethics is the systematic reflection of these values, enabling us to live and act according to our beliefs. A key distinction: - Laws tell us what we can and cannot do. - Ethics tells us what we should or shouldn't do. Airmen must follow the law — but simply doing so is not enough. Airmen must develop a code of ethics such that behavior and motives do not create even the appearance of impropriety, while providing a larger standard to live up to.

Personal values — like happiness or stability — are almost always present, but they must not take precedence over the USAF's ethical values. The key is to align ethical values with personal values and enhance the commitment we have made to the dedicated service of our nation. Our ethical code is prescribed in: - Our core values - Our oaths - The Airman's Creed - The Profession of Arms - DoD and USAF guidance - The Joint Ethics Regulation - The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) When faced with decisions related to mission, personal life, or the interest of peers, the choice can always be made with consideration for our ethical code.

Title 5, CFR, Part 2635 — *Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch* — establishes the basic ethical principles that must be followed by every government employee. Key ethical expectations: - Public service is a public trust. Employees must place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain. - Employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty. - Employees shall not solicit or accept gifts from any person or entity seeking official action, doing business with, or regulated by the employee's agency. - Employees shall not make unauthorized commitments or promises purporting to bind the government. - Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any non-Federal entity or individual. - Employees shall protect federal property and not use it for other than authorized activities. - Employees shall satisfy all just financial obligations, including federal, state, and local taxes. Gift rules between ranks: - Employees may not accept gifts from subordinates or employees that make less pay. - Employees may not solicit or give contributions for gifts to superiors — except for voluntary gifts of nominal value (not exceeding $10) on occasions of special significance (marriage, birth of a child) or occasions that terminate the superior-subordinate relationship (retirement, PCS).

An ethical dilemma is a situation where one is forced to choose between at least two alternatives. Three general sources of ethical dilemmas: 1. Uncertainty — not having all the facts, not having enough experience for the situation, or not having a clearly established policy, procedure, or rule for deciding how to make an optimal decision. 2. Competing values — when our personal values conflict with those of our institution, subordinates, peers, or supervisors. The mark of a true professional is maintaining high professional standards despite conflicting values by locating the conflicts, weighing options, and deciding upon the best course of action. 3. Potential harm — the intentional and unintentional short- and long-term consequences caused by our actions.

As Airmen, we should always think through the second and third order effects of our actions. We must apply a sense of order to our priorities so we can overcome temptation to stray from our military norms and values. When contemplating what to do: - List the best courses of action - Quality-check ideas to take the right path - Put each course of action to the test Dr. Robert M. Hicks, former Deputy Director of the Civil Air Patrol, Chaplain Services, identified three tests we can use to check the morality of our actions and decisions: 1. The Network Test 2. The United States of America Test 3. The Divine Test

The Network Test asks: *"How would this decision look if it was aired on the news or social media?"* If your actions were broadcast on the evening news: - Would you be proud of your actions — or ashamed? - Would your actions bring credit to yourself and the USAF — or discredit yourself or those we owe? If you find yourself leaning toward a negative response to these questions, then your decision doesn't pass the network test.

The United States of America Test asks a series of questions in order of priority: 1. Is this decision good for the United States? 2. Is this decision good for the USAF? 3. Is this decision good for my unit (us)? 4. Is this decision good for me? If you take this course of action, are you properly ordering your priorities? If you can't answer with a resounding yes, this might not be the best decision.

The Divine Test asks: *"Would I feel good about the decision when I give account for my life?"* When telling the story of your proud and honorable service to our country: - Would you include conversation about this decision? - Would you feel guilt or loss of trust from this action? If you can't confidently provide a positive response, the course of action fails the divine test.

Airmen share a history of valor, courage, and sacrifice. Airmen firmly grounded in the core values react to stresses, operational pressures, and daily demands with these traits. Valor is the ability to face danger or hardship in a determined and resolute manner — commonly recognized as bravery, fearlessness, fortitude, gallantry, heart, and nerve. Valor is the willingness to step outside the comfort zone to deal with unexpected situations, on the battlefield or in the daily routine of life. Courage is the ability to face fear, danger, or adversity. Three types of courage are critical in the profession of arms: - Personal courage — doing what's right even when risking one's career. - Physical courage — overcoming fears of bodily harm, or willingness to risk harm to yourself for someone else's sake. - Moral courage — standing by the core values when doing so may not be the popular thing to do. *Integrity breeds courage when and where the behavior is most needed.* Sacrifice involves a willingness to give your time, comfort, or life to meet others' needs. Personal sacrifices occur whenever Airmen put others' needs before individual wants — in combat, at home station, or in the local community.

When Americans commit to service, the USAF takes on the charge to develop them into Airmen. Over the next 30 years, the USAF's ability to continue to adapt and respond faster than our potential adversaries will depend on the flexibility and adaptability of our current and next generation Airmen. The USAF will recruit, develop, and retain exceptional Airmen through strategies designed to: - Develop and care for our Total Force - Strengthen the USAF culture - Leverage development opportunities with creative concepts across the force When faced with the call to duty, we must remember that we are Airmen. We understand the price that is paid for freedom and the sacrifices that come from willing service to our country. We understand the meaning of belonging to the profession of arms.