Commentary: Core values the Air Force's one constant Published April 24, 2008 By Col. Stephen Mittuch 419th Maintenance Group HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- Sixty years of Air Force Reserve history have demonstrated that our Airmen must expect the unexpected. The unexpected dominates our institution. As threats evolve, our Air Force has changed missions, aircraft, and organizational structure. But our one constant as members of the Air Force team is our great moral code. The Air Force's moral code is embodied in our core values and gives us guidance when we follow others, and provides a model for how we should strive to perform and counsel when we find ourselves as leaders. Every branch of the armed forces has a moral code, but a common theme is woven throughout all four branches: to establish a set of core values which act as an anchor and expression of the ethics of today's military professional. For the Air Force member our core values of integrity, service before self and excellence are crucial traits for personal and professional success. Integrity is essential. It's the inner voice, the source of self-control that is the basis for the trust that is imperative in today's military. It is doing the right thing when nobody is looking and putting forth the extra effort when no one is asking. Service members must know the right thing to do and must have the moral fortitude to do it. Service before self is a pillar that upholds our institution. Military service is not just another job; it's an uncommon profession that calls for people of uncommon dedication. When people forget that basic tenet, careerism and self-interest can emerge. There is no room for personal agendas at the expense of the institution. Some in our society struggle with a sense of entitlement which leads to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when desires are not met. As members of the armed forces we should strive to bring value to our organization and the mission. Trust in the idea that when you deliver positive results, opportunities are created. This brings us to the third core value: excellence. In today's society, some people resign themselves to just getting by. Because we've been entrusted with our nation's security and a good portion of the national treasury, the obligation to excel is a moral obligation for members of our professional military force. Not everyone will share this viewpoint in your career. Some will say these core values are simply a slogan and dismiss them as mere words. But our core values require we take the high road; we must bypass short-term rewards and "do the right thing," knowing that long term the team will be stronger. Yes, our core values define who we are, both individually and as an institution. The men and women of the 419th Fighter Wing have consistently demonstrated integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. As such, our nation has called on us during perilous times and our core values directed us down the right path and kept us anchored on firm ground. The future holds challenges as we take on new endeavors to define who we are. I have no doubt the Air Force core values that we embrace will continue to guide our decisions and remind us of the importance of the path we've chosen, the oath we've taken and the demands placed upon us. Godspeed, and continue to excel as the provider of America's best F-16 fighter wing.