Integrity: more than just core value Published May 5, 2006 By Senior Master Sgt. Gary DeVault 20th Mission Support Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- While doing a job, have you ever asked yourself, “Why not just skip these steps? They are not that important. Besides, it would help me finish more quickly.” We’ve all asked that question. There’s nothing wrong with the question. The problem lies in the answer. Because integrity is such a powerful word, retired Gen. Ronald Fogleman, former Air Force chief of staff, determined it should be an Air Force core value. At a recent Airman leadership school graduation, we listened to B. George Saloom, who spent time in captivity as a human shield during the first Gulf War. He defined reputation as how people act when others are watching and character as how people act when no one is watching. Character is synonymous with integrity. A Webster’s definition of integrity is the quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty and sincerity. Webster defines moral as relating to, dealing with, or capable of making the distinction between, right and wrong in conduct. When we think of right and wrong, we often relate that to laws, policies, guidelines or, in many cases for us, Air Force instructions. As Air Force members, we are to display the highest level of integrity at all times. Everything we do affects life, limb or quality. When we repair jets, vehicles, equipment or facilities, our integrity comes into play. As manpower decreases in the coming years, integrity will be a major player because we won’t have the ability to put multiple eyes on repairs to ensure correct completion. Repairs will need to be completed correctly the first time, just as integrity requires. A simple question of integrity is what we see every day. The male Airman in the shoppette wearing earrings; the female Airman wearing red fingernail polish in uniform; the NCO running to the car to avoid paying respect to the flag at 5 p.m.; the NCO in battle dress uniform shopping in Sumter; the senior NCO talking on a cell phone while walking to the car. I recently read an article that said we are Airmen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. That means 100-percent compliance with standards, 100 percent of the time. All too often I hear stories about these blatant violations of standards and even stories of those Airmen with integrity that attempt to correct these violators. Those who violate standards often have the “who do you think you are” attitude. For violators caught in that situation, let me be the first to tell you exactly who “they” are not. They may not be the higher ranking individual. They are not the uniform police. They are not “holier than thou.” And no, they do not think they are better than you. They are the Airmen in uniform that live, work and breathe with the highest standards of integrity. They are proud to call themselves Airmen in the world’s most powerful Air Force. They don’t stop at a phone booth on the way home for the quick change from Airman to civilian so they can impress their friends because their off-duty culture is different than their on-duty culture. They set high standards, live up to high standards and enforce high standards. They have integrity. For those who have integrity and are proud of being an Airman, I salute you. Thank you for having high personal standards, and for living up to Air Force instructions guidance. If you are in another category, complete a personal evaluation. If you are not willing to maintain those standards set forth by Airmen that came before us, then perhaps you are in the wrong business. We can’t continue to be the greatest and most powerful Air Force in the world by maintaining low standards and low levels of integrity.