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Core Values - A Second Look

  • Published
  • By Capt. Doug Steinert
  • Air Mobility Command Test & Evaluation Squadron
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  All military Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or Air Force, have core values that we live by and evolve around integrity, selflessness and courage. Core values are not only taught, but are felt deep within our hearts in order to protect our country. Core values drive our actions.

As military members, we could not be who we are without the core values. Most in the military understand this principle and it drives us to be the best we can be. We call this the whole person concept. Our core values are the same on and off duty; in and out of uniform and never change due to our circumstances.

A few things bother me though: With divorce rates around 50 percent for first marriages, and even higher for second and third marriages, financial irresponsibility on the rise, and drinking and driving that has been very persistent over the years, I have to wonder if some people, forget to apply their core values 24/7 and they are still accountable for their actions.

If the core values are applied 24/7, then when marriage gets rough, the core values should kick in and drive us to commitment. If core values are truly at the heart of our actions, they should be consistent in and out of uniform, on and off duty, right? We made the commitment to our spouse so now we are obligated to fight for our marriages with the same tenacity we fight the enemies of the United States. Maybe if we practiced 'service before self' in the context of marriage, 'spouse before me', then we would have a great marriage that all would envy. We wouldn't have to fight for it. For the single and married folks, this principle can be applied to all your relationships.

Financial irresponsibility; where do I start? Credit card debt is at an all-time high; these bad financial decisions are based on wants and not necessities. Yes, I fell into this trap when I was younger, but I realized I was not applying 'excellence in all I do' pertaining to my finances. So I know from personal experience that applying core values to your financial life will keep you out of debt and financial irresponsibility. After all, we need to set the example for others.

Last but not least, there are still too many driving under the influence charges in the military. Why don't the core values get applied here more often? Just have the integrity to do the right thing even if you do not think you will be caught - just call someone.

Let me leave you with some homework. I encourage you to contemplate your service's core values this week and see how you can apply them to your personal life. I have only mentioned three areas here, but you can see the point. I know most people apply core values at work but are you truly applying them at home and in the decisions you make in your personal life?

One thing I know is if the core values are applied consistently across your personal life as they are in your military life, they will make a difference for the better. Let the core values drive you to be the best at work and in your personal life.