CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
All members of the United States Air Force are responsible for their actions. They must be responsible for themselves, their unit and for the team here at Charleston AFB.
As we continue our role in the Global War on Terrorism, we must ensure all Airmen are able to fight and win at a moment's notice. Unit leadership must be able to count on their Airmen to complete daily duties as well. Personal accountability is a must for every Airman; this includes duty performance, on- and off-duty conduct and living up to the Air Force core values.
Airmen today are expected to do more than when I first entered the Air Force and their duty performance is even more vital to completing our mission. We are operating equipment and weaponry far more advanced than in past conflicts. All annual required training must be completed on time to ensure mission success. Both supervisors and subordinates must make time for professional development through professional military education, on-the-job training and career development courses.
Additionally, being on time for appointments is vital and, to me, it falls under the duty performance umbrella. We have a responsibility to be on time and I believe the old rule of 15 minutes early still applies. Other Airmen are waiting to provide us a service and we should not waste their time. They, like you, have many to serve.
While duty performance is key to winning our current conflict, our conduct on- and off-duty is vitally important as well. In order to maintain an effective force, our members must conduct themselves in a manner that is compatible with military life. The way we interact with our fellow Airmen should always set the standard for others. We have a well-established chain of command for resolving issues and it must be followed and we must also ensure our off-duty conduct does not impact the way our local community views the members of Team Charleston. Remember, you are an Air Force ambassador 24/7/365.
Finally, we must live up to our Air Force core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. By living up to the core values, you can always ensure your personal accountability is never in question. For me it is simple, integrity means to always be honest. It is far better to tell the truth and accept things for the way they are no matter what. Service before self means that sometimes we have to do things we do not want to do, but we must keep focused on the mission and the Airmen around us. Excellence in all we do simply means to do a good job the first time all the time, and in the end, you will save time and resources.
Personal accountability is an individual responsibility, but by ensuring that duty performance is outstanding, your conduct both on- and off-duty is not in question and you are living up to the Air Force core values, you will enhance your career and the careers of the Airmen around you.
Always be accountable for your actions because you have a responsibility to do so and it may just save someone's life. It is a privilege to wear the Air Force uniform, so be accountable for your responsibilities and I will be accountable for mine.