3 of the Army Values

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines honor in many ways. The other army values are actually used in several of the definitions and sometimes even as the synonyms. The most accurate definition given seems to be a keen sense of ethical conduct. This definition is also listed as integrity. Honor can be interchangeable with many of the other Army Values; therefore, it is very often difficult for people to give the value of honor an accurate definition. The Army simply defines honor as living up to the Army values. Honor is more of a catch-all value. The value of honor can be lost when the other values falter. Honor is viewed as a “moral compass” which provides direction for the proper character and personal conduct that an individual must possess and exercise in order to be ethically sound in his actions and mannerisms. Honor serves as the basis for the Army to exist and operate on. The fact that honor may be difficult for some individuals to declare in words does not detract from its importance. Honor solely is the collective of all values and the continued execution of those values on a regular basis without error. Honor provides for the attributes of credibility, respectability, and loyalty. The credibility is derived from honor by one’s display of integrity and duty. When one maintains their moral judgment through the value of integrity and their obligations through duty, one then earns credibility from those actions. Respectability is gained through personal courage and respect. The loyalty of others is earned as a return from one’s own loyalty and for one’s selfless service.

The Army values of respect, integrity, and honor form a strong foundation for the basis of what the Army is and why the Army operates in the manner it does. The daily operations and behavior of the Soldiers of the United States Army serve as a model of society as a whole. The Army Values are not simply a military-derived concept, but they are proven social norms that are accepted by people of many cultures in various different ways. The values are core to our structures of rank, operations, philosophical believes for purpose. The values serve as purpose, direction, and motivation for the leadership of the Army at all levels. The collapse of values would serve as a failure in the modern Army and the basis for which it was created. The values constitute how we act, who we are, and why we serve.