Commentary: Pillars of professionalism: standards, expectations, respect Published Nov. 7, 2013 By Col. Tom D. Miller 377th Air Base Wing Commander KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Every day and without hesitation, Airmen sacrifice their personal comforts for the sake of the common good and adhere to a higher standard of behavior that exceeds societal norms. Americans hold their military to a high standard, and rightly so. We serve in the world's most capable military, and this unbeatable capability comes with great responsibility. From the day we join to the day we depart, and for the rest of our days after leaving, Airmen must adhere to the highest standards for the image we present, how we operate and how we treat each other. Many standards for behaviors, practices and procedures are formally established in Air Force Instructions, Technical Orders, and other directives. Some of the unwritten rules we learn through experience, under the mentorship and guidance of our peers or those who have served longer than ourselves. Of course, the most visible models of our professional standards are the commissioned and non-commissioned leaders. Commanders, directors and supervisors at all levels are charged with setting the highest standards for the people they lead and ensuring these standards are attained while promoting a culture of respect and dignity for members of the team. No Airmen who truly lives by the Air Force core values would even think of mistreating a teammate for the sake of achieving a high standard. Our core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do demand that we instill a climate of respect in every Air Force unit, and into the mind of every Airman. It is possible to hold members of our team to high standards and at the same time treat them with dignity. It is more than just possible, it is what the American public expects of us, and it is what we the Airmen that have received that special trust and confidence of our Nation expect of ourselves. Signs of mutual respect are evident every day, as in the exchange of salutes between military members. It's also shown countless times during interactions large and small, among people of various organizations, ranks, and positions. It is important to note that respect is the bond that ties us together in our common cause. The approach of mutual respect doesn't start when we hear Reveille in the morning and end when we hear Retreat at the end of the workday. It's something we must exemplify 24-7 and to that end means that as Airmen, military or civilian, our responsibility is to meet those standards and hold each other accountable for those standards, on and off duty. America's families have entrusted the most valued thing they have to us - their sons and daughters. Whether you are a peer, a supervisor, a SNCO, officer, civilian leader or commander - we must be worthy of that trust that the public has placed in us.