Core Values of the Air Force

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Earlier in March 2014 the senior leadership of the Air Force, to include the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff, and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, made a statement to all airmen. They stated that “being an Airman is more than a job, when we voluntarily raised our right hands and took an oath to support and defend the Constitution, we became members of the profession of arms”, they also said that along with our profession of arms we are given and accept a sacred trust given to us by the American people, that to be worthy of this trust we must “build our lives and shape our service on the foundation of our core values”, and that when Airmen fail to live up to our core values, the reputation of all who serve is tarnished” (letter to airman, Mar 2014). Recently, I was tasked to deliver a briefing for the J3 monthly training day. This tasking was a result of my negligence in updating a certain system that is vital to the J3 watch floor. My briefing, although filled with correct information and guidance, was also slaked with profanity and unprofessional gestures. Regardless of any circumstances that may have been the cause for these actions, the actions needed correction. Correction was given, which was responded to by more profanity and provoking actions. After I showed such disrespect to my non-commissioned officer in charge, he escorted me to my supervisor and my actions were made known to him. During this time I was still acting very contentious and disrespectful, making snide comments and standing with such contempt as if to say “are you done now”. This of course escalated into more serious action by my leadership which very well could have been avoided had I done my duty correctly in the first place. The...

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... in any organization if it is to grow. The Air Force Professional Development Guide listed many characteristics of leadership, among these were being tough and being sensitive. This may seem like an oxymoron, but all success in life is based balance. Being tough is very important even in open communication. When someone needs advice and or direction from a leader, the last thing they need to hear is brown nosing or “fluff”. They need to hear the truth, no matter if it is not desired but almost always it is the most effective. Being sensitive is also very much needed. The PDG speaks on this subject “listen to your people, communicate with them and be perceptive to their needs”. A person needs to know that their needs are listened to and recognized. As was mentioned before, this is a two way street, this should be utilized from an airman to NCO and from NCO to airman.

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