The Responsibilities of Soldiers

Enlisting in the United States Army means assuming certain responsibilities. The Army summarizes its basic expectations in is seven core values, which are loyalty, duty, respect, personal courage, selfless service, integrity and honor. Although job responsibilities vary by assignment, the core values apply to every soldier, regardless of job or rank.

Loyalty

Soldiers have a responsibility to defend the U.S. Constitution and the nation’s residents. However, they also are expected to be loyal to their fellow soldiers, their units and the Army as a whole. Soldiers obey the orders of their superiors and do not attempt to undermine their leaders. They defend other soldiers who need their help, whether it is in the barracks or on the battlefield.

Duty

Soldiers fulfill their obligations in the best manner possible. They contribute to the efforts of a team, meet their personal assignments and make every attempt to fulfill every mission assigned. If they are in charge of lower-ranking soldiers, they have the duty to provide the leadership their subordinates need to advance in the military or fulfill an assignment.

Respect

Soldiers pledge to treat other people with respect. Showing respect is not limited to fellow soldiers. When on foreign soil, soldiers respect the citizens, their customs and their religious mores. Soldiers show respect for their officers by obeying orders and showing loyalty to their commanders. Soldiers demonstrate respect for the Army by wearing their uniforms properly, maintaining a high standard of personal grooming and conducting themselves in a socially acceptable manner.

Personal Courage

Although the ability to face a combat situation is part of personal courage, it is not all of it. Personal courage involves doing the right thing in all situations. It may mean defending someone weaker or refusing to be a party to a dishonorable act. At times, soldiers must take stands that do not win them a popularity contest among their peers. Regardless, soldiers are responsible for developing and maintaining their moral and physical courage.

Selfless Service

The mission comes first. This means that the needs of the country, the unit and subordinates outweigh the personal needs of the individual soldier. Soldiers fulfill their missions without expecting rewards or personal recognition. Each member of the team should contribute maximum effort to ensure the success of the mission.

Integrity

Integrity is doing what is morally and ethically right, not just what is legal. Soldiers behave with integrity when they do not deceive others. They do not take the easy way out, even if their actions may cause them discomfort. They do not tolerate acts of racism, sexual discrimination or abuse.

Honor

It is not by chance that the highest award given to U.S. military personnel is named the Medal of Honor. Honor encompasses all of the other six core values to one extent or another. It includes showing loyalty, integrity, personal courage and respect. It is serving selflessly, fulfilling duties and treating others respectfully. It is refusing to settle for dishonorable shortcuts......