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Shape your life with values
Posted 10/26/2010
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Commentary by Capt. Matthew Foisy
628th Security Forces Squadron commander
10/26/2010 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) -- Take a minute and reminisce back to the day when you first put on your military uniform. For many, it was probably basic training, Reserve Officer Training Corps or the Air Force Academy. Can you recall the sense of pride you felt at the time?
As I often recall, it was a feeling of pride, honor, commitment and an overwhelming sense of patriotism. It was being part of something bigger, not just another organization. Soon, the indoctrination began. For weeks, we drilled and trained in the customs and courtesies, history and teachings of our respective services. We were "blued" and ready to go out and make a difference serving our great nation.
One of the best aspects of my job is seeing the face of a new "one-striper" or "butter bar" fresh out of school and having the opportunity to sit down with them and provide expectations, direction and encouragement. We all typically hit the ground running with a strong desire to succeed and make a difference. Over time, we all learn the lessons of life, the job, and often times, we are quickly faced with challenges and adversity. These are defining moments in our career which everyone will learn to deal with differently.
I entered the service at a time when our nation was at war, a time that is arguably the most challenging our military has faced since Vietnam. The strain which deployments, high-operations tempos and numerous competing demands place on our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and families are immeasurable. It is something only understood by those of us who have experienced it, and it is in this environment we are most tested and tried. For most, it will be these times that help us grow into better leaders and make us stronger. Our respective services provide us with sets of core values developed to guide us in our every action. The importance of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do defines the Air Force, and I make it a point to consider these values in every decision I make. They help guide me through the tough decisions.
The Security Forces Apprentice Course at Lackland Air Force Base took the Air Force core values a step further. The acronym by which we remember our security forces core values is SHIELD. Designed after the device we proudly wear on our left front pocket, which distinguishes us as law enforcement officials, the acronym also defines the values I expect every one of our defenders to uphold.
Service: Service before self reminds us of our commitment to the Air Force, always putting the mission first, and of the sacrifice we and our families must make to continue keeping our Air Force safe and secure.
Honor: To remind us what an honor it is to be able to serve our great nation, to have the distinction of being a law enforcement official, to wear the badge and beret and to serve the base populous in this capacity; but most importantly to honor all the core values.
Integrity: As a law enforcement official, integrity is paramount. People look to us to be the example and do what is right all the time. Without integrity, our word means nothing.
Excellence: We strive for excellence at all times and to be the example. We are the first and the last Airmen any patron transiting our installation will see. We must leave them with an impression of excellence.
Leadership: Every defender must be a leader. Whether they are controlling entry to the base or leading a convoy, they are expected to make decisions which impact the lives of others.
Discipline: We strive for discipline in everything we do. Not only must we meet the standards, but we also enforce them.
I make it a point to catch every member entering the 628th Security Forces Squadron prior to putting them to work to reinforce these values. Core values must be the bedrock which defines our character. Without family, personal, or service oriented values we would be undisciplined.
You need not look far within your organizations to see those who embrace the values to their fullest. I am reminded daily of their impact as I come through the base gates and am greeted by a professional like Tech. Sgt. Brian Saylors, who I receive daily compliments on for his professionalism, or when I read about Senior Airman Samuel Siewert from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron being recognized as one of the Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.
On the contrary, there are a few amongst our ranks who have lost focus on our core values. Just last year, Charleston AFB issued 61 Articles 15, and we have already exceeded that number this year with three calendar months left. We are also challenged with an unacceptable rate of physical-fitness failures to a standard which is not overly challenging.
Lastly, although they make up a small minority, we have a population that has lost focus on basic customs and courtesies expected of us within the profession of arms. This is unacceptable and I am sure if you fall into one of these categories, it is the last place you thought you would be when you entered the service. Many of my defenders have heard me say time after time, "Discipline yourself so that others won't have to." The worst part of any commander's day is having to discipline a member of their unit because they failed to embrace or follow the core values.
I challenge all of you who have taken the time to read this article to reaffirm what your respective core values mean to you. Challenge yourself to consider them in your every day decision making process. |
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