3 of the Army Values

The Army values of integrity, respect, and honor are detrimental to the daily operations of the modern Army. The value of integrity is rooted in the core foundations of the rank structure, UCMJ, and history of the military service. The value of respect was the foundational basis and derived purpose for the executing of most modern military actions. Honor has served as the foundation of why we do what we do in today’s Army. This core values sum up the purpose and direction that America’s Army has taken since its inception in 1775.

The value of integrity is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as the firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptibility. The code that we adhere to in the army is not only a common ethical code. It is also the foundation of the creed we live by on a daily basis. The army has defined integrity in much simpler terms. Do what’s right—legally and morally. Integrity is a three phase process. First, one must separate what is right from what is wrong. This can be done by referencing materials and regulation or more simply by the personal judgment of a reasonable individual. Next, one must act accordingly to what is believed to be right regardless of personal costs. This stage of integrity is typically the most difficult to adhere to. The stress that is presented by the possibility of personal loss is most likely to steer individuals away from continuing to maintain integrity. Lastly, a person declare that they are acting on their understanding of right versus wrong. The person must act on the belief that what they are doing is the right thing. It all comes down to an understanding what is right and wrong and doing it. People of integrity consistently act according to principles—not just what might work at the moment. People of integrity do the right thing not because it’s convenient or because they have no choice. They choose the right thing because their character permits no less.

The value of respect is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as the willingness to show consideration or appreciation. The Army defines respect as treating people as they should be treated. Respect for individuals is the basis on which laws are created. The foundational idea of the Bill of Rights is that the government should respect the people of the country. When you recognize and appreciate the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings, you are displaying demonstrating the value of respect. Leaders who feel respect and show respect to others will gain the respect of his subordinates as a reciprocate action for his willingness to respect them. Meanwhile, leaders who fail to show respect to his subordinates will invoke hatred and resentment from his subordinates. Respect is an ever present entity in not only the military but the modern work-place environment and individuals’ personal lives. Respect is more than simply an army value, but it is an ethical value which is the basis of our modern way of life. Without respect, no organization would able to operate. Anarchy would be a persistent theme in the way of life. Social structure would collapse and human nature would become blurred by greed and hedonistic urge for self preservation resulting in a continual circle of anger and failures. Therefore, military which serves as a microcosm of society as a whole must consistent maintain the value of respect in order to accomplish its stated mission of “protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States of America.”