JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
"Do the right thing all the time." Seven simple, meaningful, effective and powerful words that should guide us in all that we do.
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, Integrity is defined as "firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values. Incorruptibility. An unimpaired condition. Soundness. The quality or state of being complete or undivided. Completeness".
In the context of integrity first, an Air Force core value, we define and describe it as "the willingness to do what is right even when no one is looking. It is the "moral compass" - the inner voice; the voice of self-control; the basis for the trust imperative in today's military. A person of integrity, for example, is capable of acting on conviction. A person of integrity can control impulses and appetites.
Integrity makes up our inner soul. Integrity applies across all walks of life and to all individuals. A lack of integrity will only result in problems for you as an individual or worse, for your family or fellow Airman if not corrected immediately. When it comes to integrity, the standard must be perfection.
So what does a person with integrity do? Is it the little voice which tells him to take something that is not his because no one is watching or around and it's just lying there? Is it receiving a job task from your supervisor and failing to complete it per the technical order, but you still sign the job off as completed?
Is it cheating on a test? Is it covering for someone who failed to show up for physical training?
In today's society we have become accustomed to making excuses for these flaws. We "spin" instead of lie. We blame others for our faults, we cover up mistakes. It's becoming rare to see someone stand on principle and take responsibility for their actions. A person of integrity however, would do just that. A person of integrity does the right thing all the time.
Please take a moment and ask yourself this question: Do I place honesty, sense of duty and sound moral principles above all else? If you cannot consistently respond with a yes to that question, here are some tips for developing the habit of integrity:
1) Never shade the truth. Don't be concerned with how people think of you, or view you. We're all human and we make mistakes.
2) Be accurate and truthful in all statements. Don't fudge the numbers to make your goal or metric.
3) Stand for what you believe in, even if it's unpopular or goes against the grain. Believe in yourself and think positively.
4) Place honesty and duty above all else. Let the Air Force core values guide you.
In all jobs, integrity is important. In the profession of arms, it is absolutely essential. Without it, the profession loses the trust of the society it serves. Integrity must be internalized; it must become second nature for everyone. Remember, the seven simple, meaningful, effective and powerful words that should guide us in all that we do are, do the right thing all the time.