Professional Soldier

Established January 13, 1998 the seven Army Values were placed to described and put into to perspective just what being a soldier is all about. They are the morals of the entire United States Army and to go against them is like braking the law. The Army values is what separates us men and woman from the rest of the world, we stick out like a sore thumb. Some people do not recognize the significance the value of the meaning of these words. “Words like loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity, and courage are thrown around often these days, but military service actually gives these words meaning.” Rose, J. (2017, December 21). The Army Values has history based on a strong foundation, and building leadership.

The history behind the Army Values has been served for over two centuries. Many soldiers have been living by these morals in and out of the Army. Whether they’re active duty, wearing the uniform 365 days a year. Reserve or National Guard and only wear the uniform two days a month and two weeks in the summer, they are all still showing the respect to those who have served before them living up to those morals. When Soldiers see their leadership they follow their lead, so when those morals aren’t being followed the younger will follow what they see leading back to followership. “The Army has always had values, dating back to Baron von Steuben at Valley Forge in 1778 when he established those attributes and traits that an NCO should have.” The Army Values were placed as standards for soldiers to live by mentally, physically, and actively and they will continue to be in play for many more centuries to come.

A strong foundation is what the Army is, a band of brothers and sisters coming together for one purpose. Loyalty can be described as commitment to the Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other soldiers. Illustrations of loyalty can include having your battle buddy’s “six”. Selfless service and trust run hand in hand being in the battlefield and looking to your right and left, knowing there is someone there who is putting the welfare of the country, the Army, and their subordinates before themselves. Giving your peers that foundation to build off of gives a reinforcement of reassurance. George Eliot once said “The reward of one duty is the power to fulfill another.” When you rose your right hand you made it your duty to protect and serve, meaning fulfilling your obligations and never taking shortcuts. “Any foundation you build, if trust is part of that foundation, whatever you're building, whatever you're creating is gonna have a rock-solid foundation.” Steve Tisch

Facing physical or moral danger, fear, or adversity with courage is what many would call personal courage. The Army’s leadership shows that intention every day when they take those risk and stand on the front line. Making the split second decisions on every mission take save a soldier’s life. Leadership following the 7 army values is being built into a resilient force that will be respected. On the topic of respected leadership, Martin Luther King Jr. for example the way he presented himself, the way he spoke, and the way he treated others the way he wanted to be treated was the perfect example of respected leadership. As a leader view all your subordinates as human beings, be that leader that they can trust.

Being in the United States Army we are taught to live by these values every day, always doing what is legally and morally right showing integrity and honor. As a leader you are set to certain standards and you expect your subordinates to follow. There are times you may not always be the best at what you do but you can always do right, and on all occasions hold yourself to higher standards because you never know at what time who may have their eyes on you for the good or the bad. Even when transitioning out of the Army, take these values with you because they will not only make you that great leader that you had become, but also a better business man or woman. “And even though I’ve been out of the military for many years now, I still cling tightly to military values that taught me how to be a man. I would even argue that, over time, these same values helped me become a better businessman and a stronger entrepreneur.” Rose, J. (2017, December 21).The history, foundation, and leadership are grounded off the Army Values. “The Army values are leadership; leadership is Army values.” The Army Values. (2017, February 15). 

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