Our Heritage
Air Force Core Values
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Integrity is a character trait, a 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 and the basis for the trust imperative in today's military. Integrity is the ability to hold together and properly regulate all of the elements of one's personality. A person of integrity acts on conviction, and controls impulses and appetites.
Integrity also encompasses these moral traits indispensable to national service:
- Courage
- Honesty
- Accountability
- Justice
- Openness
- Self-respect
- Humility
An Airman's duties always take precedence over personal desires. At the very least, it includes the following behaviors:
Rule Following
To serve is to do one's duty, and our duties are most commonly expressed through rules. While it may be the case that professionals are expected to exercise judgment in the performance of their duties, good professionals understand that rules have a reason for being - and the default position must be to follow those rules unless there is a clear, operational reason for refusing to do so.
Respect for Others
Service before self tells us also that a good leader places the troops ahead of his/her personal comfort. We must always act in the certain knowledge that all persons possess a fundamental worth as human beings.
Discipline and Self-Control
Professionals cannot indulge themselves in self-pity, discouragement, anger, frustration or defeatism. Airmen and Space Professionals have a fundamental moral obligation to the persons they lead to strike a tone of confidence, and forward-looking optimism.
Every American Airman and Guardian strives for continuous improvement in self and service.
Excellence in all we do directs us to develop a sustained passion for our best efforts and commitment, not perfection. It calls for the very innovations that will propel the Department of the Air Force and Space Force into a long-term, upward spiral of accomplishment and performance.
Excellence In All We Do also encompasses these traits applicable to all personal and professional development:
- Improvement
- Duty
- Precision
- Innovation
- Growth
- Change
- Resilience
Space Force Core Values
We defend the Constitution and serve out nation.
Consequently, high ethical standards are the foundation of our lives. We act with integrity, remain accountable for our decisions and honor our obligations to our mission, fellow Guardians, and loved ones.
Character Encompasses:
- Ethical conduct
- Personal accountability
- Honor & Integrity
We are committed to mastering ourselves, our profession and our domain.
Where others see obstacles, we see opportunities to learn and grow as a team. and through making the best use of our teammates' diverse strengths, we will achieve feats considered impossible by our adversaries
Commitment Encompasses:
- Mission focus
- Lifelong growth
- Relentless drive
We're connected by a common purpose, knowing that we're stronger than we are individually.
We treat everyone with empathy and respect and harness different perspectives to fuel innovation. In doing so, we tap into the very best each of us has to offer.
Connection Encompasses:
- Mutual respect
- Team unity
- Inclusive mindset
We are steadfast and stand up for what is right, regardless of the circumstances.
We are biased toward action and accept risk, when necessary, to secure and
defend our nation. We act and speak fearlessly, knowing our teammates and leadership are unwavering.
Courage Encompasses:
- Morale strength
- Bold action
- Fearless leadership