JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
When you're a member of the greatest military in history, professional image is important at all times. At work, it's simple to adhere to standards of conduct because the military presence is all around us, but what concerns me is how we conduct ourselves once we leave work and drive off the installation.
Regrettably, I've had the misfortune of witnessing some members of our military team misbehaving when they think that no one is watching. In particular, I've seen uniformed members rendering obscene hand gestures to other drivers while on the road, and I'm not talking about a salute. Quite simply, this sort of behavior is unacceptable and damages the outstanding reputation of Joint Base Charleston and the military as a whole.
Why do we assume that it's okay to break from our responsibilities to professionalism? Is it because no one watching or is it because we are unaware of our surroundings? If you believe that the local community doesn't care or won't say a thing, then you're wrong.
If anything, they expect more, because we are the guarantors of freedom and heroes of a modern day society. To our local community, we represent more than an organization or a career field; we represent the military as a whole. The way we present ourselves in uniform directly affects the community's perception of our military forces.
As military members, it seems that we sometimes forget the simple rules once we're off the installation or around the home. Whether it's a quick stop at the gas station, a trip to pick the kids up from day care, running in and out of the grocery store, or getting the mail at home, the smallest moments in life can have the greatest impact. Ultimately, the choice is yours. From exiting a building without your cover, to placing your sunglasses on top of your head, these are conscious decisions that you have the power to change.
So, what kind of image you are portraying? Taking a small moment to analyze your actions and surroundings could save you potential embarrassment and prevent you from tarnishing our military reputation. After all, you never know! The person next to you could be a commander, supervisor, peer or military spouse.
Like I always tell my Airmen and NCOs, would you conduct yourself in the same manner if our wing commanders, Col. Martha Meeker and Col. John Wood, or the wing command chiefs, Chief Master Sgt. Mike Ivey and Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene, were standing beside you?
Do what is right, and take pride in your military service by acting in the manner that best reflects those values. Always remember, you may believe that no one is watching, but that shouldn't matter; as long as you place "integrity first" your professional image will never be compromised.