Living The Air Force Core Values
The three Air Force Core Values—Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do--are each supported by three virtues. BECOMING LEADERS OF CHARACTER will use reflections and experiences from the members of the Class of 1973 to explore each of these virtues.
This page provides an overview of each of the Core Values, as well as the three underlying virtues for each Value.
The Value button takes you to each of the underlying virtues and includes short interview video clips from classmates who have shared some of their most formative experiences, from both active duty and outside of the Air Force. The intent here is to capture some of our hard-earned leadership lessons, from our entry in 1969 to the present.
This page provides an overview of each of the Core Values, as well as the three underlying virtues for each Value.
The Value button takes you to each of the underlying virtues and includes short interview video clips from classmates who have shared some of their most formative experiences, from both active duty and outside of the Air Force. The intent here is to capture some of our hard-earned leadership lessons, from our entry in 1969 to the present.
Integrity is simply doing the right thing, all the time, whether everyone is watching or no one is
watching. It is the compass that keeps us on the right path when we are confronted with ethical
challenges and personal temptations, and it is the foundation upon which trust is built. An individual
realizes integrity when thoughts and actions align with what he or she knows to be right. The virtues that demonstrate one truly values integrity include:
watching. It is the compass that keeps us on the right path when we are confronted with ethical
challenges and personal temptations, and it is the foundation upon which trust is built. An individual
realizes integrity when thoughts and actions align with what he or she knows to be right. The virtues that demonstrate one truly values integrity include:
1. Honesty
2. Courage
3. Accountability
Service Before Self tells us that professional duties take precedence over personal desires. The call to
serve is a call to live according to a higher standard. It is not just a job; it is a commitment that takes
energy, dedication, and sacrifice. We do not “work” in the Air Force; we serve in the Air Force. A heart
and mindset for service allows us to embrace expectations and requirements not levied on the American
public or other professions. The virtues that demonstrate one truly values service include:
serve is a call to live according to a higher standard. It is not just a job; it is a commitment that takes
energy, dedication, and sacrifice. We do not “work” in the Air Force; we serve in the Air Force. A heart
and mindset for service allows us to embrace expectations and requirements not levied on the American
public or other professions. The virtues that demonstrate one truly values service include:
1. Duty
2. Loyalty
3. Respect
Excellence In All We Do does not mean that we demand perfection in everything from everyone.
Instead, this value directs us to continuously advance our craft and increase our knowledge as Airmen.
We must have a passion for continuous improvement and innovation that propels America’s Air Force in
quantum leaps towards accomplishment and performance.
Instead, this value directs us to continuously advance our craft and increase our knowledge as Airmen.
We must have a passion for continuous improvement and innovation that propels America’s Air Force in
quantum leaps towards accomplishment and performance.
1. Mission
2. Discipline
3. Teamwork
Source for the Values and Virtues: America’s Air Force: A Profession of Arms, dated July 2015