Values and being in the military
Everyone has values even if you aren’t aware of them. While we all have values that we choose ourselves, some of our values come from our families, relationships, or even our job.
For example, here are the core values of the DOD and the military branches of the US:
DOD: Duty, integrity, ethics, honor, courage, loyalty
Air Force: Integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do
Army: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage
Coast Guard: Honor, respect, devotion to duty
Marines: Honor, courage, commitment
Navy: Honor, courage, commitment
These values guide how one should perform within in the military. They also provide the large organizational identity. It’s something that should be shared within the community to help guide individuals throughout their careers.
While having values within a job, like the military is helpful, I guarantee that they aren’t the only values that you are going to have and that these values that are thrown upon you are going to contradict your personal ones.
Nevertheless, it’s important to have values and here are a few reasons why.
It helps with personal identity. It helps you define who you are and what you stand for. These values help you become more self aware and personal growth by giving you a base. This helps you figure out how to act in the present to give you the life you want now and to help you act in the present to help you give you the life you want in the future. For example: If you value loyalty in relationships, you aren’t going to cheat on your partner now and loyalty in relationships is something that you are going to seek out in future relationships.
It helps with personal well-being.
Those who are living in alignment with their own values are going to be happier and are going to have greater satisfaction in life. When you make choice that align with your values, you are more likely to experience a sense of fulfillment.
It helps you connect with others.
There are always going to be others with the same sort of values as you. These relationships will be more meaningful and supportive than relationships that don’t share the values that you have. The values of the military branches above are shared between services members. This fosters unity and cooperation when it really matters the most.
Discovering your personal values involves a process of self-reflection and exploration.
If you don’t know your values or are unsure, here’s some ways that you can use to identify them.
Self-reflect and take some time to look inward. Think about the life that you have had, the life you are currently living, and the life that you want to live. Try and identify what matters to you most in terms of relationships, goals, identity, and career.
Take a look at what your goals are. What type of goals do you have for yourself and what are you trying to achieve? Typically, your goals are going to align with your values. Do you want to have a high paying job, get married, start a non-profit? These goals are going to have values attached to them like, tenacity, loyalty, or others before self. If you know your goals in life, you most likely know the direction of where your values lie. Don’t have any life goals yet? No worries, that conversation is for another time.
Identify the positive and negative experiences in your life. What time in your life did you feel most fulfilled, proud, or content? What times did you feel frustrated, conflicted, or angry? What were the circumstances behind these experiences and how did you react to them. Maybe you were most proud while volunteering at an animal rescue, or maybe you got angry at a friend when they stole a candy bar from the convenience store. Helping others and having integrity are on your list of values.
Remember that your values are personal and unique to you. They don’t have to conform to anyone’s expectations or societal norms. Identifying your values is an ongoing process and it’s alright to change then as you life and grow. What’s important is that you live in alignment with your values so that you lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Having trouble thinking of your values? Read the values below to see what resonates with you.
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