CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
I've been an assistant first sergeant for approximately nine months, and throughout my tenure, I have seen many disciplinary issues come across the commander's and first sergeant's desk. There were those that were minor in nature and those that ended in court martial or separation. From all of these issues, one question came to my mind: how could they have been prevented? That question really made me exercise deep thought. When you look at every situation, no matter how unique they were, they always seem to have one thing in common ... every situation lacked personal discipline. Finally, the answer to my question!
So, what does personal discipline have to do with being an Airman? First, we have to define discipline. According to Webster's dictionary, discipline is defined as, "training expected to produce a specific type or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement." As Air Force members, we continuously train. Whether it is in our primary career field or our professional military development, we train. When we train, we begin to value or appreciate the skills we have learned and the experience they produce. This training arms us with the necessary tools to execute the mission with precision. When reflecting on our three core values, we realize they all require training and personal discipline to achieve, so let's start with the core value of integrity first.
Integrity is the firm adherence to a code or standard of values. Although it may be thought that integrity cannot be learned, it definitely can. By exercising discipline in following orders and standards on a daily basis, you will begin to gain an appreciation for doing what's right and enforcing it upon others.
Now, let's take a look at service before self, just another example of personal discipline. Service is defined as work done for someone else or a helpful action. When exercising this characteristic, you put the Air Force's needs before personal desires, find enjoyment helping others and become part of the team.
Lastly, but far from least, excellence in all we do also requires personal discipline. Excellence is defined as the quality or state of being outstanding and superior in our actions. Without personal discipline, we cannot achieve excellence. By remaining steadfast and maintaining personal discipline, you will get through the hard work and sacrifice of performing tasks that take you outside of your comfort zone.
Our leaders want nothing more from all of us but to succeed in our Air Force careers. When we know our job, do our job, are professional and take care of each other, we continue to fulfill our commitment to the American people. When we lack the personal discipline to commit to the Air Force's core values, it takes a negative toll on our number one resource ... you.