From the moment a future Soldier reaches their basic training destination

From the moment a future Soldier reaches their basic training destination, the tear down begins. We all come from different places with different upbringings. With everything that gets thrown at us we learn how to be a true soldier. The Army values are what helps shape us into the Soldiers that we are today. The Values are the building blocks of the Army, the solid rock on which everything else stands, especially in combat. They are the glue that puts together the members of a noble profession. Duty, Honor, Integrity, Respect, Loyalty, Personal courage, and Selfless Service make us who we are. These values allow Soldiers to judge what is right from wrong in all situations they face.
The basis of Duty is acting in the absence direction, based on what’s morally right. Duty starts with things required of you by laws and regulations; but it includes more. As professionals, we work not just to standard, but to the best of our ability. Perform to the best of your ability; when the job is done, superiors can only applaud. Take initiative, figure out what needs to be done, before being told what to do. Take full responsibility for your actions and those of your subordinates. Never shade the truth to make the unit look good or make others feel good. Instead, follow your higher duty to the Army and the nation of which you serve. Honor gives us the moral compass for character and personal conduct in the Army. Although a lot of people struggle to define the term, most naturally recognize those with an intense sense of right and wrong. Those who live like that, their words and deeds are above reproach. Honor is showing an understanding of what’s right and taking pride in that reputation.
People of integrity do the right thing, not because it’s convenient or because they have no choice. They always choose the right thing because their character does not allow them to do anything less. Conducting yourself with integrity has main three parts: Separating what is right from wrong, always acting according to what you know to be right at all costs, and openly saying that you are acting on your understanding of what is right versus wrong. Army leaders are supposed to honor everyone’s worth by treating everyone with dignity and respect. The leaders who feel and give respect to others cannot fail to inspire in them regard for himself. In the Army, respect means recognizing and appreciating the dignity and worth of all people. This value reminds you that the ones closest to you are your greatest resource. Loyalty is a two-way street, you should not expect loyalty without being ready to give it back. The loyalty of your Soldiers is a gift they give you when you deserve it. When you treat them fairly, train them well, and live by what you talk about. Soldiers fight for each other, the ones to their left and right are their brothers and sisters. Loyalty extends to every member of every component of the Army.
PERSONAL COURAGE Face fear, danger, or adversity both physical and moral. Personal courage isn’t the absence of fear; rather, it’s the ability to put fear aside and do what’s necessary. Personal courage takes two forms, physical and moral. Good leaders demonstrate both. Physical courage means overcoming fears of bodily harm and doing your duty. It’s the bravery that allows a soldier to take risks in combat in spite of the fear of wounds or death. In contrast, moral courage is the willingness to stand firm on your values, principles, and convictions — even when threatened. It enables leaders to stand up for what they believe is right, regardless of the consequences. Leaders who take responsibility for their decisions and actions, even when things go wrong, display moral courage. Courageous leaders are willing to look critically inside themselves, consider new ideas, and change what needs changing.
SELFLESS SERVICE Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service leads to organizational teamwork and encompasses discipline, self-control and faith in the system. Selfless Service means doing what’s right for the nation, the Army, your organization, and your people—and putting these responsibilities above your own interests. The needs of the Army and the nation come first. Selfless service means that you don’t make decisions or take actions that help your image or your career, for a team to work, the individual has to give up self-interest for the good of the whole. The requirement for selflessness doesn’t decrease with one’s rank; it increases.