CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
When the word "noble" comes to mind, some might think of knights or "gentleman soldiers" fighting during the Middle Ages or maybe "Monte Python and the Holy Grail" with King Arthur and his knights.
However, to be a noble means to have honorable or excellent qualities, to be impressive in appearance, or my favorite, to be characterized by superiority in character, ideals, or morals.
To me, that is what our Airmen are and need to be every day they wear the uniform. So how does someone become a "noble" Airman? There are many characteristics defining this mighty Airman.
Perseverance is one of the main qualities required of a noble Airman. Greatness is born by perseverance in the face of adversity.
As President Nixon said after the Apollo 13 astronauts returned to Earth from their ill-fated attempt to land on the moon, "Adversity brings out the true character of a man."
When faced with the challenges and disappointments of life, we can respond in one of two ways. One is to quit and blame someone else, or we can look at setbacks as an opportunity to grow and improve ourselves-even as an opportunity to prove others wrong about us.
We also need resiliency. Resiliency is having the inner strength to cope with any challenge. Having a positive attitude, courage and persistence will aid in developing your resiliency to obstacles which come your way in life. I've heard resiliency described as a willow tree. During a fierce windstorm it bends but never breaks. It can also absorb devastating damage and bounce back healthier and stronger than before.
When we volunteered to be Airmen, we made a commitment to our country. We would defend her to preserve the freedoms our founding fathers shed their blood to attain. Commitment, another important trait of a noble Airman, is keeping the promises we made, no matter what the circumstances.
Noble Airmen must also have integrity, one of the three core values of the Air Force. It is doing the right thing no matter the circumstances. It can be as simple as completing the task according to the technical order or picking up the lose piece of trash on the sidewalk. Whether someone is watching or not, your job is to do the right thing. Value what is right over what is popular. This provides a foundation upon which to build integrity.
Loyalty, a feeling of devotion or duty to something, is another characteristic of a noble Airman. It can be seen when people stick with you when all else is in turmoil. Loyal people still believe in you, despite your failures. One shows loyalty by "being loyal" in times of struggle.
Courage is required of a noble Airman. Courage, or bravery, is simply doing what needs to be done even though you're scared and tired.
According to Gen. George Patton, it's "fear holding on a minute longer."
Look no further than the recipients of the Medal of Honor and you'll see how their citations overflow with courage. Master-at-Arms Michael Monsoor, who was a Navy SEAL, demonstrated this trait when a grenade bounced off his chest and landed in front of him. He chose to protect his teammates and threw himself onto the grenade, saving their lives. He displayed undaunted courage as he paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
Self-discipline and self-control go hand-in-hand and are also required of a noble Airman. Self-discipline is doing what we don't want to do but should. Self-control is not doing what we want to do but shouldn't. These two traits are different yet inexplicably interwoven. A lack of one or both can destroy an Airman. If you lack self-discipline in one area of your life, you probably lack self-control in another.
A noble Airman must be honest. The Air Force has no room for liars. You must be free from deception, yet truthful, genuine, real, reputable and credible. Others will eventually see right through you and realize your lie. An Airman who is honest with himself is honest with others.
Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf said, "The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it."
Trustworthiness is another required trait of a noble Airman. To trust someone is to know they will stand beside you. They won't cut and run when the going gets tough. Airmen who are trustworthy are dependable and can be counted on to do what is best for others.
Finally, a noble Airman is an Airman of honor, which is an Airman who has a keen sense of ethical conduct. It defines our character and requires us to put others' needs ahead of our own. It shows your fellow Airmen that you value them. Honor is something you give a person without them having to earn it.
Former President Calvin Coolidge once said, "No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been rewarded for what he gave."
Honor will create a legacy in your lineage that will promote positive change in the Air Force.
So, do you have what it takes to be a noble Airman? Don't worry if you don't. No one can expect you to master all of these traits. However, by being aware of the character traits you admire and respect in your fellow Airmen, you can more easily develop your own.
Keep in mind the choices and decisions you make affect other people's lives, whether you're willing to admit it or not. You are not an island. Your decisions impact other lives like a pebble dropping in a pond creating ripples across the surface. Be a noble Airman.