What do you do when no one is watching?

  • Published
  • By Special Agent Jason Engholm
  • Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Det. 246
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  When you think of the expectations you have for your organization, superiors, peers and subordinates, what comes to mind? What core belief, beyond any other, are you adamant on to the last stand?

Of course, many of us would be able to rattle off the Air Force core values without a thought or extra breath. However, maybe there is something even deeper, yet more simplistic, than those three bold statements. Something like, “Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

Several years ago while working at an office in Europe, I heard a new Air Force Office of Special Investigations region commander explain his expectations for OSI agents in Europe. During his speech, he methodically returned to his basic standpoint of above all else, “Do the right thing.”

No matter if it was during a witness interview, while conducting threat assessments in Latvia or performing background investigation checks in Germany, he always said, “Do the right thing.” I, along with many others who heard that commander speak, have taken that bit of professional and personal advice to heart. I now feel that subtle, yet powerful, phrase is the key to a strong ethical code.

So, how do you follow this code and make the right choices and actions? Is there a magic formula or an instruction that outlines how a person should make decisions and act? No, unfortunately there is not. We must depend on our training, personal integrity and commitment to each other.

To abide by this expectation, we have to remain true to our training and cannot cut corners, bend the rules or stretch the truth. For example, at a recent meeting, I witnessed a foreign national counterpart decline alcohol refreshments because his commander -- hundreds of miles away -- issued an order that prohibited his nation's personnel from consuming alcohol while in theater.

Even though others were able to indulge, and there was little chance anyone would find out, my friend stuck to his personal obligation to do the right thing. I respect my friend for his courage and commitment to duty.

In addition to staying true to the rules of our profession, we must insist on the integrity to take the path of the challenging right over the simple wrong. For instance, when we are performing duty within the restricted area on the flightline and observe someone who may be unauthorized, we must put forth the extra effort to challenge the individual rather than letting the next technician confront that person. Although we are busy, that extra effort sets us above other professions. In the end, an honorable life is more rewarding than an easy one.

The last portion of this expectation is to have the yearning and commitment to watch out for each other. Simple things such as replenishing paper towels in the bathrooms and engaging each other in conversations about life can accomplish this.

We should exploit the chance to mentor and develop each person and grade at every opportunity and share the principles of leadership and management regardless of our own rank. We must develop and nurture the people we work with as we perform as a team to uphold the high expectations we have for our profession and selves.

“Do the right thing.” It is a simple approach to life that is the critical core to a strong ethical code. By living by this philosophy, we remain faithful to our vocation, ourselves and each other.