Airman's Creed enhances our heritage

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
Last week our Air Force leaders, General T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff and Chief Master Sergeant Rodney McKinley, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force proudly released the new Airman's Creed that provides all Airmen with a tangible statement of the beliefs we should hold most dear. The Airman's Creed reflects pride in the role of air, space and cyberspace power and our commitment as Airmen to supporting and defending our nation.

The Airman's Creed is a critical component to the development of warrior-leaders. In the past, many who serve have not seen the Air Force as a service of warriors. As you very well know, that has changed significantly over the past few years. We are now more disciplined, agile, combat-focused and expeditionary. This expeditionary evolution has been made apparent time and time again over the last 16 years and we continue to get closer to the fight.

Many of you are familiar with the creeds that already exist in the Air Force, e.g., the NCO Creed, SNCO Creed, Chief's Creed, etc. Our new creed complements all of these, as all Airmen can identify with it.

I urge all of you to take the time to read this powerful creed and reflect on what it means to you (click here to view Airman's Creed). What does it mean to me that "I am an Airman First?" Do not be surprised in a few weeks if I ask you about the Airman's Creed and your thoughts on it, because to me this is important for all of us to understand and be proud of.

Though this year we celebrate the Air Force's 60th Anniversary, our rich heritage does not reach back as far as our sister services. As General Moseley said in his Chief of Staff's Vector this month, "As the youngest of America's five services, our battle traditions are just 100 years old. Nevertheless, we are heirs to a proud heritage." Our youth as a service brings with it challenges, but it also opens the door for the rest of us to serve as pioneers. We have come so far as a service already and the future is limitless because we are Airmen. This creed enhances our heritage and makes us stronger.

Again, take a moment to read the Airman's Creed, it'll truly help you focus on the road ahead!

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!