Air Force Core Values

The United States Air Force is a vital resource to the United States Military, an organization that was founded with the emergence of advanced aviation technology. With strong core values and a clear mission statement, the Air Force has performed as a powerful and superior branch to the United States Military during times of both war and peace since its founding and later recognition as an independent branch in 1947 following the Second World War (McCune, 2016). The organization assists the Army in many operations, and in the context of Joint Operations provides crucial air support needed in order to succeed, such as close air support, transportation of supplies and aid, reconnaissance, bombing runs, medical assistance, and combat patrols

Air Force ROTC, 2014). These core values are values that each branch of the military holds dearly, including the Army. It is important for all members of the United States Military to do the right thing when no one is looking, the basis of integrity. Service before self pertains to the fact that an individual in the Air Force and the Military as a whole is part of something larger than themselves, something that they must prioritize even over themselves. They must make personal sacrifices for the betterment of the organization, for others within, and for the nation itself. “Excellence in all we do” (U.S. Air Force ROTC, 2014). Given that each individual Airmen is part of an organization larger than themselves, they must continually push themselves and others around them past their limits in order to continually improve, giving their absolute best effort in any endeavors undertaken. It is essential for all members of the Air Force and other branches of the Military to hold these values dearly for the betterment of themselves, the organization to which they belong, and the nation. The mission of the Air Force is defined as “to fly, fight, and win; in air, space and cyberspace. We are America’s Airmen. We do not operate alone. We are partners in the joint team. We will recruit, train, and retain America’s best young men and women to provide global vigilance, reach and power to our nation in the 21st century. We will size, shape and operate the force to meet the needs of the nation. America’s Airmen will be smart, sharp, and tough” (U.S. Air Force ROTC, 2014). Throughout its history, the Air Force has upheld this mission strongly. The Air Force has proven to be a crucial supplement to other Military branches, especially the