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PURPOSE
The first thing you must understand is that our chosen profession is that of a higher calling, in
which we hold ourselves to higher standards. To serve proudly and capably, our commitment
to our cause must be unbreakable; it must be bonded in our mutual respect for each other.
Throughout our service, we are guided and reminded of this remarkable responsibility to our
Nation. The oaths we take remind us that we serve freely in support and defense of the
Constitution of the United States.
Whoever you are and wherever you fit on the Air Force team, this is your basic guide to our Air
Force Core Values. The Core Values exist for all members of the Air Force family - officer,
enlisted, and civilian; active, guard, reserve, and retired.
The Core Values are much more than minimum standards. They remind us what it takes to get
the mission accomplished. They inspire us to do our very best at all times. They are the common
bond among all comrades in arms, and they are the glue that unifies the force and ties us to the
great warriors and public servants of the past, and guides us into the future.
Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do. These are the Air Force
Core Values. Study them…understand them…follow them…encompass them…and encourage
others to do the same.
We abide by a Code of Conduct that captures our resolve, while our Airman’s Creed highlights
the strength of our diverse Airmen who fly, fight, and win as one Air Force. Wherever you are
in your Air Force career, it is a reminder to the meaning of service in our profession - The
Profession of Arms.
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A PROFESSION OF ARMS: OUR CORE VALUES
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – INTRODUCTION
A PROFESSION OF ARMS ..........................................................................................5
Chapter 2 – OUR OATHS
OATH OF ENLISTMENT ...............................................................................................7
OATH OF OFFICE, OFFICER .......................................................................................7
OATH OF OFFICE, CIVIL SERVANT ...........................................................................7
Chapter 3 – AIR FORCE CORE VALUES
LIVING THE CORE VALUES ........................................................................................8
INTEGRITY FIRST ........................................................................................................9
SERVICE BEFORE SELF ...........................................................................................10
EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO ……………………………………………………………11
CORE VALUES – THE WHY ………………………………………………………………12
Chapter 4 – THE CODE OF CONDUCT
ARTICLES 1 THROUGH 6 ………………………………………………………………...13
Chapter 5 – THE AIRMAN’S CREED……………………………………………………..14
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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A PROFESSION OF ARMS
No profession asks more of its members than the Profession of Arms. As we state in our
Airman’s Creed, we have answered our Nation’s call. It is a higher calling, and it comes with a
higher standard.
General Ronald Fogleman, our 15th Chief of Staff once said, “We are not engaged in just another
job; we are practitioners of the Profession of Arms. We are trusted with the security of our Nation,
the protection of our citizens, and the preservation of its way of life. In this capacity, we serve as
guardians of America’s future. By its very nature, this responsibility requires us to place the
needs of our service and our country before personal concerns.”
That responsibility was given to each and every one of us when we raised our right hand and
swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. When we joined our Air Force
with a sacred oath, we accepted a sacred trust from the American people, one that goes beyond
anything else in society. As members of a joint team, our profession is distinguished from others
because of our expertise in the justified application of lethal military force and the willingness of
those who serve to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. No other profession expects its
members to lay down their lives for their friends, families or freedoms...but it is what our
profession readily expects.
We are professionals. As volunteers, our sworn obligation is to the Constitution. Fighting
America’s wars is an ugly business; there is nothing pretty or glorious about warfighting, but it
must be done. Our status as the world’s greatest Air Force was earned by those who have
served before us and is carried on by every Airman who wears the uniform today and by the civil
servants who bring continuity to the mission of the Air Force at home and abroad. Every Airman
is a leader of character. This identity calls on us to live honorably, lift others to their best possible
selves, and elevate the performance of the team. We do this by owning the pursuit of our identity,
engaging in purposeful experiences, and practicing habits of thought and action consistent with
our Core Values.
Chapter 1- INTRODUCTION
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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All Airmen belong to the Profession of Arms…every officer, enlisted, and civil servant are
members of this selfless profession. We are all accountable for meeting ethical and performance
standards in our actions and similarly accountable for our failure to take action when appropriate.
The distinction between pay grades lies solely in our level of responsibility and the degree of
accountability, not in our level of commitment to the Profession of Arms. We share the common
attributes of character, courage, and competence. We qualify as professionals through intensive
training, education, and practical experience.
As professionals, we are defined by our strength of character, respect for others, and a lifelong
commitment to Core Values. We all have a responsibility not to engage in—nor tolerate—
behaviors that harm members of our formation. Actions like harassment, sexual assault, sexual
harassment, stalking, bullying, extremism, and discrimination erode our foundation and weaken
us from within. These actions violate our Core Values. We must guard against those at all times.
We must be dedicated to maintaining our professional abilities through continuous individual and
institutional improvements.
We must remember, above all else, we are patriots first. As the Total Force, we more than
anyone else, understand the price of freedom. We understand the sacrifices that come from
willingly serving our country. We understand what it means to serve in the Profession of Arms.
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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Every Airman began their service in our Air Force by reciting the Oath of Enlistment or the
Oath of Office for officers and civil servants. The oath is a humbling reminder of the
seriousness of the Profession of Arms. Throughout our careers, we must continually reflect
on the meaning of the words and the gravity of our commitment.
OATH OF ENLISTMENT
“I, ______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the
United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States
and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform
Code of Military Justice. So help me God (optional).”
OATH OF OFFICE, OFFICER
“I, _______, having been appointed a (rank) in the United States Air Force, do solemnly
swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against
all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that
I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I
will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help
me God (optional).”
OATH OF OFFICE, CIVIL SERVANT
“I, _______, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of
the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or
purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on
which I am about to enter. So help me God (optional).”
Chapter 2 - OUR OATHS
“Before you can lead others, you have to lead yourself. We must
develop leaders of character that are ready to create and foster
environments of respect, inclusivity, and trust. When Airmen know
they are valued, have high quality of service and quality of life, and
are empowered to reach their full potential—there are no limits to
what we can accomplish.”
General Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
22nd Chief of Staff of the Air Force
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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Values represent enduring and guiding principles for which we as individuals or
organizations stand. “Core” values are so fundamental that they define our identity. The
United States Air Force has clearly defined its identity by these three simple values:
Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.
For those of us who join this proud community of Airmen, whether officer, enlisted, civilian,
active, guard, or reserve, being a part of the Air Force family requires that we commit to
living these values, on- and off-duty. This is the expectation of our profession and is the
standard against which our fellow service members and the American public hold us. This
commitment to our values demonstrates respect for the Air Force, for others, and for the
mission at hand. The Air Force professional is a trusted servant of our Nation who adheres
to the highest standards of character, courage, and competence. How we act represents to
countless others the collective identity of the United States Air Force.
LIVING THE CORE VALUES
Understanding the Core Values is relatively easy. The true challenge is to live them. It is a
commitment that never ends and one that always matters.
We all have the ability to display integrity, both professionally and personally. We have all placed
ourselves in a position to serve a greater purpose and we all have the innate desire to achieve
excellence. Yet there will be moments where living and acting by the Core Values will be
challenging.
These moments are also opportunities to prove, through our actions, that we genuinely embody
these Core Values. In doing so, we honor the heritage and continue the legacy of those who
served before us and sacrificed so much. It is through this alignment of our actions with these
values that we, as an Air Force, earn the public’s trust, strengthen our service, and accomplish
our mission.
Each of these Core Values is further defined by virtues (desired behaviors and characteristics)
we must practice and demonstrate in our daily lives, showing we truly do value Integrity, Service,
and Excellence. Consistently practicing these virtues results in habits of honorable thought and
action, producing an Air Force professional. Air Force professionalism is a shared belief in and
a commitment to honorable service based on our Air Force Core Values.
Chapter 3 - AIR FORCE CORE VALUES
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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INTEGRITY FIRST
Integrity is 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 and
respect are 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:
HONESTY:
Honesty is the hallmark of integrity. As public servants, we are trusted agents. Honesty requires
us to evaluate our performance against standards, and to conscientiously and accurately report
findings. It drives us to advance our skills and credentials through our own effort. Our word must
be unquestionable. This is the only way to preserve the trust and respect that we hold so dear
for one another and the population we serve.
COURAGE:
Courage is not the absence of fear but doing the right thing despite fear. Courage empowers us
to take necessary personal or professional risks, make decisions that may be unpopular, and
admit our mistakes; having the courage to take these actions is crucial for the mission, the Air
Force, and the Nation. A person of integrity does what is right even if the personal cost is high.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Accountability is the responsibility to an audience. That audience maybe the American people,
our units, our supervisors, our fellow Airmen, our families, our loved ones, and even ourselves.
Accountable individuals maintain transparency, seek honest and constructive feedback, lead
and live with respect for themselves and others, and take ownership of the outcomes of their
actions and decisions. They are responsible to themselves and others and refrain from actions
that discredit themselves or our service.
HUMILITY:
A person of integrity grasps and is sobered by the extraordinary task of defending the
Constitution of the United States. We practice humility by putting others before ourselves. We
seek to add value through community and humanitarian support. We serve with gratitude and
without arrogance.
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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SERVICE BEFORE SELF
The choice to serve is a decision to hold ourselves to a higher standard; it is a calling, a daily
commitment that takes energy, dedication, and sacrifice. Selfless service places demands
upon us which are not levied upon the American public or those who choose other
professions. Selfless service begins when our Airmen take the Oath of Office or Enlistment,
but it does not mean we let go of all that we hold dear - our family, loved ones, and sincerely
held beliefs. We embrace a disciplined approach to rule-following, self-control, respect for
authority, and respect for the beliefs and worth of others. NOTE: Airmen must practice self-
care first to be able to serve others. The virtues that demonstrate Service Before Self include:
DUTY:
Duty is the obligation to perform what is required for the mission. While our responsibilities are
determined by the law, the Department of Defense, and Air Force instructions, directives, and
guidance, our sense of duty is a personal one and bound by the oath of service we take as
individuals. Duty sometimes calls for sacrifice in ways no other profession has or will have.
Airmen who truly embody service before self consistently choose to make necessary sacrifices
to accomplish the mission, and in doing so, we honor those who made such sacrifices before
us.
LOYALTY:
Loyalty is an internal commitment to the success and preservation of something bigger than
ourselves. Our loyalty is to the Nation first, the values and commitments of our Air Force second,
and finally, to those with whom we serve. Loyalty to our leaders requires us to trust, follow, and
execute their decisions, even when we disagree. We offer alternative solutions and innovative
ideas most effectively through the chain of command. Leaders demonstrate loyalty by respecting
those who serve and treating them with dignity, compassion, and true concern for their wellbeing.
Ultimately, loyalty is demonstrated by helping each other act with respect and honor.
RESPECT:
Respect encompasses self-respect, mutual respect, and organizational respect. This three-
dimensional view requires us to embrace the unique value of all individuals and treat everyone
with dignity. We must always act in the certain knowledge that all Airmen must be treated with
respect and boldly speak up, even when it is uncomfortable, to assert this truth. Further,
respecting others requires a commitment to recognize and root out prejudices, biases, and
stereotypes. We must engage genuinely, honestly, and with an empathetic and open mind. We
must honor the Air Force and others by following our words with actions.
Respect must be embraced mutually by military and civilian personnel in all grades or
positions and demonstrated in the everyday actions of all Airmen. Without it, we simply
cannot stand strong in the defense of our Nation. Mutual respect strengthens teamwork,
supports increased communication, reduces stress, and diminishes conflict. Put simply; it means
treating others the way you would want to be treated and creating an environment, through your
words and actions, where every Airman can serve to their full potential.
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO
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 toward accomplishment and performance.
The virtues that demonstrate Excellence In All We Do include:
MISSION:
Mission encompasses operations and excellence in stewardship. The complex undertaking of
the Air Force mission requires us to harness the ingenuity, expertise, and elbow grease of all
Airmen. We approach it with the mindset of respect, pride, innovation, and a continued
commitment to anticipate and embrace change. Our work areas, our processes, and our
interpersonal interactions must be undeniably professional and positive. Our people are the
platform for delivering innovative ideas, strategies, and technologies to the fight.
DISCIPLINE:
Discipline is an individual commitment to upholding the highest of personal and professional
standards. Airmen commit to a life of discipline and self-control. We demonstrate it in attitude,
work ethic, and effort directed at continuous improvement, whether pursuing professional military
education or developing ourselves physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Each
Airman represents the entire Air Force. Our appearance, actions, and professional and
respectful presence shape the culture of the Air Force and the reputation of the entire military
profession.
TEAMWORK:
Teamwork is essential to triumph at every level. Airmen recognize the interdependency of every
member’s contributions toward the mission and strive for organizational excellence. We not only
give our personal best but also challenge and motivate each other to perform their best. We gain
respect through our actions and strong work ethic to build team trust, and we give respect to
others for their contributions. We carry our own weight and whenever necessary, help our
Wingmen carry theirs. We serve in the greatest Air Force in the world, and we embrace the idea
that our part of the Air Force meets the world-class standard.
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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CORE VALUES – THE WHY
The first reason is that the Core Values tell us the price of admission to the Air Force itself.
All of us must accept accountability and practice justice, which means that all Airmen must
possess Integrity First. Our selfless commitment to duty, our loyalty to our mission, and our
respect for other drives Service Before Self. In addition, it is imperative that we all seek
Excellence In All We Do - whether it be product or service excellence, resources excellence,
community excellence, personal excellence or operations excellence.
The second reason for recognizing the Core Values is that they point to what is universal and
unchanging in the Profession of Arms. The values are navigation points inviting us to consider
key features of the requirements of professional service, but they cannot hope to point to or pick
out everything. By examining Integrity, Service, and Excellence, we also eventually discover the
importance of duty, honor, country, dedication, fidelity, competence, and a host of other
professional requirements and attributes. The important thing is not the three values our leaders
demand. The important thing is that our leaders selected these values, and it is our obligation to
understand and be advocates of the ethical demands these values require.
The third reason for recognizing the Core Values is that they help us get a fix on the ethical
climate of an organization. How successful are we in trying to live by the Core Values? Our
answer to this question may not be the one we would like to give. When fellow Airman in our
formation believe our operating procedures or the requirements levied upon us from above are
absurd or enforced, we face the tendency to “make our own rules” or be “selective about the
rules we are going to follow.” As time goes by, these actions become habitual. Eventually, you
can no longer distinguish between the “important” tasks/rules and the “stupid” ones you chose
not to follow. To combat this activity, every Airman must take ownership in the culture in the
places they serve.
The fourth reason for recognizing the Core Values is that in addition to helping us to evaluate
the climate of our organization, they also serve as beacons vectoring us back to the path of
professional conduct; the Core Values allow us to transform a climate of corrosion into a
climate of ethical commitment.
“The foundation of our Profession of Arms is, and has always been,
respect. That is a non-negotiable principle that supports the
Integrity, Service and Excellence of our great Air Force. It is the
cornerstone of the culture we need in our Air Force.”
JoAnne S. Bass
19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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The Code of Conduct outlines the basic responsibilities and
obligations of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. All members are
expected to measure up to the standards described in the Code of
Conduct. Although developed for Prisoners of War (POW), the spirit
and intent are applicable to service members subject to other hostile
detention. Such service members should consistently conduct
themselves in a manner that brings credit to themselves and their
country. The six articles of the Code of Conduct address situations
and decision areas that any member could encounter to some
degree. The Code of Conduct includes basic information useful to
POWs to help them survive honorably while resisting captors’ efforts
to exploit them. Such survival and resistance requires knowledge,
understanding, and a commitment to the articles.
ARTICLE 1
“I am an American, fighting in the forces, which guard my country and our way of life. I am
prepared to give my life in their defense.”
ARTICLE 2
“I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the
members of my command while they still have the means to resist.”
ARTICLE 3
“If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to
escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the
enemy.”
ARTICLE 4
“If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no
information or take part in any action, which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am
senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over
me and will back them up in every way.”
ARTICLE 5
“When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank,
service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost
of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies
or harmful to their cause.”
ARTICLE 6
“I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions,
and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in
the United States of America.”
Chapter 4 – THE CODE OF CONDUCT
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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The Airman’s Creed is intended to remind all Airmen that we are not just a conglomeration of diverse
specialties, skill sets, or jobs, but we are brothers and sisters in the Profession of Arms. It allows
Airmen to think and act with one mind and with a commitment to fundamental warfighting beliefs.
Airmen are warriors and are dedicated to flying, fighting, and winning.
I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
I AM A WARRIOR.
I HAVE ANSWERED MY NATION’S CALL.
I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
MY MISSION IS TO FLY, FIGHT, AND WIN.
I AM FAITHFUL TO A PROUD HERITAGE,
A TRADITION OF HONOR,
AND A LEGACY OF VALOR.
I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE,
MY NATION’S SWORD AND SHIELD,
ITS SENTRY AND AVENGER.
I DEFEND MY COUNTRY WITH MY LIFE.
I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
WINGMAN, LEADER, WARRIOR.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AIRMAN BEHIND,
I WILL NEVER FALTER,
AND I WILL NOT FAIL.
THE AIRMAN’S CREED
“They knew not the day or hour nor the manner of their passing
when far from home they were called to join that great band of
heroic Airmen that went before.”
Inscription on the Air Force Memorial
in Washington, D.C.
A Profession of Arms: Our Core Values
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