Posted on Apr 8, 2014
SGM Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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How do you regard the Army Values?  Do they hold true for you as pillars of character that steer our Army to be more morally upright, or do the serve as a arbitrary buzz phrase that symbolizes a meaningless effort to keep Soldiers from doing the wrong thing?  This is my final question of the series of five that supports my study.  Thanks for taking the time to weigh in on any one or all five questions.
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Responses: 5
SGT(P) Motor Transport Operator
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MSG Hahn,

I feel they are important. I honestly strive to live up to them all. However, more and more each day, its starting to appear as something cool to hang or paint on a wall. From my current perspective, it seems as if so many are trying to skate by with the bare minimum. It seems ok for someone to totally disregard particular values as long as they know who to kiss up to. I know that some will have momentarily lapses, but to be able to self assess and bounce back is key. I see so many fellow Soldiers that do not understand the term "Respect" that are treated as royals. I see way too many that lack integrity. It may well be that times are getting tough and some will lie, cheat, and steal their way to the top (or so they think). I do like the idea of them. I think they will become more relevant, especially now that the military is going through a downsizing phase. Once they have no where to hide, the Army Values will become more prevalent.
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SGM Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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Great account SGT Mickles, thanks.  I personally consider them like our road signs that remind us what we are supposed to do.  The signs don't hold any authority or capacity to do anything other than remind everyone what is expected.  Our force should be the "Police" per say, especially the NCOs.  Commanders are the Judges.  Thanks again for weighing in!
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SPC Daniel Edwards
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The Army Values are my second reason for getting up in the morning (first is to provide for my family of course).  Before i joined the Army, I had no purpose or direction.  After learning of the Values in basic, I started realizing what they mean as far as being a Soldier.  Now I believe in what each one represents and I strive every day to live to each one of them.
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SGM Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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Thanks for that testimonial SPC Edwards.  For what it's worth, virtue, ethics, and morals are all developed overtime, nobody is just born with them.  Values come from different processes you go through in life.  I respect your candid answer, thanks for weighing in!
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CPT Multifunctional Logistician
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MSG Hahn,

I regard the Army Values as the foundation of our chosen profession and the compass for my character and behavior.  Basically, they help guide my actions.  With the Army Values, should I ever find myself alone and without orders, I should know exactly how to conduct myself.  We Soldiers come from a long line of warriors and we all swore oaths to support and defend our nation.  Words like Loyalty, Honor and Duty to name a few are supposed to hold significant meaning for us.  If the Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to our nation, shouldn't we be able to do the same and live up to that example?  Words have meaning, but in the end it is deeds not words that matter the most.  Those who consider the Army Values buzz words probably do not fully understand the significance of the deeds done that are associated with those words.  There are many examples of Soldiers out there who embody the Army Values and we all need to strive to live up to that.

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SGM Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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Great point Sir.  The Army Value are a testament to those who sacrificed and made the hard choices, even when others may not have known.  Some people may only think of them as a future vehicle compared to a means of excellence, often already followed.  Thanks for your thought.
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