The Values We Need

The values of the ROTC corps are important for the cadets to follow because of the great impact it will have on our leadership skills in the future.
The values help us all to get along and work with each other very well in drill and in competition. We all know we will all do everything possible to win and to follow our commanders orders. The values are; integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. These values assist us in understanding and having deep devotion to the military and to keep us loyal to the commander that leads us.

Integrity First to me is when you must do what is right whether it will help you in a beneficial way or not. Doing the right thing is important even when people aren’t watching. Even if you don’t get credit for it, doing it means you have integrity. An example would be if someone said they were bringing something to school they shouldn’t and you telling someone, especially if it is a weapon, even if they call you a snitch or nark. This helps the corps by helping us understand the importance of doing the right thing. In this world people will do things to make you look bad or feel terrible just because they know what they are doing is wrong. They will do everything the can to make sure you think its right or that you don’t do anything about it. Integrity will help us tell people what is right and wrong when it may be of the utmost importance.

Service before self is, to me, putting the corps needs before yours. It is harder to do than most people think because it takes loyalty. Loyalty to the commander and the SASI. Community service is one way we show this value. We put the needs of others before ourselves by taking time out of the day to help other people’s lives. Just to make them a little easier or see them smile makes it all worth the work. To put the corps and others before yourself is an incredible achievement in our lives. Not only for leadership reasons, but because we will build a much stronger character. Building a strong character is not only a incredible strength for a leader, but also for a person. Service before self is an import value for all cadets to have for it shows the corps true reflection of character and pride. These characteristics show who the true leaders are because of how difficult of traits these are to find in a person. Putting the corps and others before yourself also shows a kind, compassionate, loving side of the corps. Service before self keeps most of this corps together.

Excellence in all we do is the one of the best if not the best of ours corps values in my opinion. To achieve excellence is not to achieve perfection. No, it is doing your absolute best in every aspect of life not just in the military or ROTC, but in future careers or even in a family. It is a value that applies to all aspects of life more than the other two.