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Translating AF core values into action

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Frederick C. Bacon
  • 621st Air Control Squadron
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Operational Readiness Inspection is less than 30 days away. Even though we're part of 7th Air Force, the 621st Air Control Squadron is going to be inspected along with the Osan Mustangs and the Wolfpack at Kunsan. We're all going to get a chance to show the PACAF inspector general how good we are at our jobs. In fact, an ORI is a perfect opportunity to translate the Air Force Core Values -- Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do -- into actions. We see the core values spelled out on posters, at the bottom of briefing slides, on Air Force Web pages and, of course, on AFN. But how do we turn them into actions?

Integrity First. Whether it's signing off maintenance forms for a fighter jet saying you followed technical order direction, wearing your MOPP gear correctly every time or honestly answering a question from the IG, it is always good business doing the right thing, being honest with yourself and your fellow Airmen. 

Service Before Self. Let's see -- we're stationed far from the U.S., most of us are away from family, the operations tempo at Osan is always busy, and is even busier as the inspection gets closer. Add to that the MOPP gear, reacting to attacks, executing self-aid and buddy care on the injured, all while the IG is looking over your shoulder and taking notes ... if that doesn't give you a taste of Service Before Self, I'm not sure what would. 

Excellence In All We Do. Doing your job well, to the best of your ability and training, is expected everyday. Your coworkers expect it, your leadership expects it and the taxpayers expect it. Whether you're in finance and working on straightening out a Mustang's pay problem, an MPF troop pushing someone's assignment package, or a weapons director controlling a couple of dozen fighters on a strike mission, your "A-Game" is needed and expected every day. 

I know Team Osan's "A-Game" will blow away the IG inspectors. We're well trained, we're motivated, and we're good at our jobs. The ORI is a great chance to show it. More importantly, the ORI is a great reminder of how the core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do can translate to actions.