Airmen must hold themselves to high standard

  • Published
  • By Maj. Peter O'Neill
  • 60th Contracting Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A few years ago, Air Force Contracting published five guiding principles for the workforce. Serving as a quasi-oath, they urged each professional to stand up and do the right thing to ensure the integrity and fairness of the procurement system.

Never award a contract at the expense of integrity. Know the fundamentals, think innovatively, and remain focused on the details. Care for one another by sharing our knowledge and experiences and passionately protect the image of our nation, our Air Force and our profession. These principles have since taken root and remind us to conduct ourselves in a manner befitting the trust and confidence bestowed by the President, Congress, taxpayers, customers and fellow professionals.  

As I reaffirm my commitment to these principles, I am struck by the final sentiment to passionately protect the image of our nation, our Air Force and our profession. Although directed toward the contracting profession, I am convinced this sage advice should be internalized by the entire Air Force community. While the decision to serve is varied, the means by which we serve should be singular. We must serve with honor, guided by our core values of integrity, service before self and excellence. 

We, as Airmen, must acknowledge that our words and deeds are scrutinized beyond measure. Our civilian leadership sends us outside our borders to do great things for our nation.  Many times, the people we meet have never come in contact with Americans before. Our speech and actions cement the image they have of all Americans. I urge you to make that first impression a lasting one, an impression that signifies we are professionals of the highest order driven by a sincere desire to affect change and execute the mission. We must not waste our finite resources, use our position for personal gain, or cause undue harm. 

Over the past few years, our image has been slightly tarnished by a select few who fail to uphold this solemn agreement with the American people. Service members from general officer through airman basic have been guilty of sexual assault, cheating and abuse of power. They have painted our glorious Air Force in a bad light. These are black eyes. They are, however, recoverable. 

Be unafraid to confront those who disregard our norms. Examination has shown that small offenses often go unchecked until heinous crimes are committed. Stand up, speak up and guard against those within our midst who think rules do not apply to them. Be an agent of change and create an atmosphere which does not condone misbehavior. Lastly, when difficult situations arise, never jeopardize your integrity.

The Air Force has a rich history of excellence. Those that have come before us persevered through challenging times and established our Air Force as the preeminent air service in the world. As Airmen, we must uphold that legacy. That means we must vigorously protect the image our predecessors have modeled and our nation demands.