Character traits necessary for military service

usafa2022

usafa2022

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Lately I've been thinking about whether or not my own personality traits would allow me to succeed in the military. Since I'm still getting a feel for what exactly those are, are there any in particular that would be vital if I want to serve? Or any that would be detrimental? You hear stuff along the lines of "the military isn't for everyone" all the time, so what would constitute someone who would do well in the service?
 
Don't try to put it in a box. There will be plenty of that.

My recommendation would be determine why you want to serve, open yourself up to learning, understand you'll fail (sometimes often), and be willing to try hard to do what YOU think is right.
 
There are all kinds of officers with very different personalities. I wouldn't worry too much about whether you'll fit from that aspect (as long as your not an extreme introvert). I would pay more attention to what you will be experiencing. Can you handle a military lifestyle 24x7. Think you'll get tired of being saluted or saluting (which also means you need to determine everyone's rank from some distance). Can you handle giving orders? Can you handle correcting someone? And BTW there are a zillion ways to do that... sometimes the best correction is something spoken calmly and gently. etc etc. Just my $.02
 
kinnem said:
There are all kinds of officers with very different personalities. I wouldn't worry too much about whether you'll fit from that aspect (as long as your not an extreme introvert). I would pay more attention to what you will be experiencing. Can you handle a military lifestyle 24x7. Think you'll get tired of being saluted or saluting (which also means you need to determine everyone's rank from some distance). Can you handle giving orders? Can you handle correcting someone? And BTW there are a zillion ways to do that... sometimes the best correction is something spoken calmly and gently. etc etc. Just my $.02
Click to expand...

Remember there is a process of growth, so you won't be perfect, won't have all the answers, won't always make the right choice....

... Take it all in stride.
 
As an officer in the Air Force or any branch, being a servant leader is one of the most important traits to have in my opinion. It's not about being a slave to your people or anything like the actual words would hint. Being a servant leaded is all about caring about your people. Your genuine interest should be on your team. Never think in "I" or "Us", it should always be about "Them." Caring about awards or how heavy your ribbon rack is isn't the way to be. As a person in charge your focus should be on two things, the assigned mission, and your team. Some of the most well respected leaders have at times set aside the mission to take care is his men.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if/when you commission and are assigned your base, more often than not you'll have NCOs under your command. Even though you outrank them and you should get the mandatory respect that way, you should earn their legitimate respect too. A majority of those NCOs will have been doing their jobs for years before you. It would definitely prevent animosity to learn how they do their jobs before you order them to do their jobs.

Just something I take seriously and wanted to share my piece. I'm not saying this mentality would make you a perfect leader, but it would make you a more effective one.
 
OP: its not that easy. I agree with the above posters. But to provide some food for thought:

Good traits to consider: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. (Boy Scout Law)

And I will add the USMC Leadership traits: Justice, Judgment, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Endurance, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty,& Enthusiasm.

Bad traits: self-centeredness, narcissism, inflexibility, impulsiveness, vanity, deceit, laziness, arrogance, dishonesty
 
AF Core Values are "Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do."
The Honor Code is also a good baseline to follow.

The previously mentioned traits are good too!
 
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