Integrity first – easy to say, difficult to do

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Jeff Stands
  • 25th Flying Training Squadron commander
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Integrity first -- two of the easiest words to say, but one of the most difficult things to do.

We all have moments of integrity, especially when it is convenient. But a continual display of integrity seems rare these days, lofting one who does into an elite category whose company is shared by our greatest and most revered leaders.

However, for those serving in our Air Force, we demand it not only first, but continuously in our endeavors. Integrity is the glue that binds our missions and cares for our people and families. It is the key factor that separates us from civilian sector workers. It is why people respect someone in uniform. Integrity is assumed.

Webster defines integrity as a noun in one of three ways; "a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; an unimpaired condition; or the quality or state of being complete or undivided."

To me, integrity is simply doing what is right.

Throughout my career, in various training venues, classes and leadership discussions, there have been many shared thoughts about this nine-letter word and its meaning to different people.

The words chosen vary, the expression of the intent of the word has a little less deviation, but the overall theme conveyed by my fellow Airmen was always pretty much the same. We all want to do what is right.

Personally, that's where I think integrity gets tough. It's not the intent or personal definition of the word; it's the ability -- or inability -- to enact the right decision.

To further clarify this, the intent amongst our Airmen is almost always pure. It is the individual interpretation of right that often leads to perceived lapses in integrity.

So how do we increase the probability that, given a specific situation, we make the right choice? Mark Twain once said, "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

I couldn't agree more, especially given many of the news headlines over the past few months. The list seems never ending where people have not made the right decision.

There are many ways to increase our odds of choosing right from wrong. Unfortunately, many of those techniques take a significant amount of time and usually involve evolution of value systems, cultures and basic beliefs.

In our profession, time is a cost that we cannot usually afford. Therefore, developing integrity through our training is the most basic way we can condition ourselves to always do what is right.

During training, we are made aware of our mistakes both collectively and individually. Aristotle is credited with saying, "Men acquire a particular quality by constantly acting in a particular way."

Again, reinforcement of correct behavior and solid decision making conditions Airmen to chose wisely and increase those periods of integrity to the point where it becomes continuous.

However, we cannot limit ourselves to learning only in training scenarios. That is inefficient. We must apply learning to everything we do and force ourselves to be our most critical examiner. Holding yourself accountable for your mistakes rapidly develops integrity.

We must be willing to take responsibility and admit wrong in order to learn what is right. There is no shame in admitting a mistake. There is learning what is right-- and that develops integrity.

So when confronted with a moral decision in life, search for the right thing to do. If you chose poorly, learn from your experience and continue to seek integrity first.