Mission demands highest ethical standards

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Edward Rimback
  • 742nd Missile Squadron commander
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) --  Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience, but how he stands in times of controversy and challenge."

Daily we make decisions that challenge us to distinguish right from wrong. The great majority of these decisions are clear and uncomplicated, while others involve a great degree of soul-searching.

The Air Force's mission demands we apply the highest degree of ethics or our mission effectiveness will degrade. Retired Gen. John Jumper, former Air Force chief of staff, said a person creates a new lower standard when they walk past a problem and don't actively address the situation.

Our leaders, peers and subordinates expect nothing more than an honest attempt to do the right thing, to make the right call during moments of controversy and challenge. Our duties are too important to do otherwise. Our mission can only be performed by professionals who possess the highest ethical standards. It's those standards that ensure we do our duty even when the times get tough.

As military members, we serve as "trusted agents" of the American public. As such, we are challenged to apply the highest level of ethical behavior in the performance of our daily tasks and duties. Behaving ethically is a way of life that promotes ideals such as honesty, integrity and trust.

We've heard it all before. Do the right thing; don't lie, don't cheat, don't steal. They are simple rules to live by, but standards that are demanding and near impossible to maintain if a person does not truly commit to them. Ethics and the art of being ethical aren't as simple as processing a demand and response checklist. Rather, they are a way of life shaped by our upbringing, life experiences, role models and spiritual beliefs.

So, when you see something wrong, do the right thing and correct it. Be the guiding light that promotes the highest ethical standards.

The American public maintains an unwavering trust in every Airman to do the right thing each and every day. Let's not disappoint them.