Are 7 values really enough?

2014-04-26T23:57:14-04:00

When I was growing up I participated in Boy Scouts of America and it heavily influenced my values. I was a member from 4 years old until 18, and I can still list the values contained in the Boy Scout Law.

A scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

The scout's values and the Army Values overlap in many ways. What other values have you brought to the Army with you? What values do you believe should be added to the Army Values?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 27 at 2014 12:26 AM

2014-04-27T00:26:54-04:00

Here's my opinion and it may not be popular. I don't think there's anything special about the Army Values, the Boy Scouts' Values, etc. To me they are just values. The organization attached to them is irrelevant. I mean really; would those same values not apply to the girl scouts? Would another organization look at our values and say "hey, I like all those, except that integrity one, that's not for us?" Of course not. Is there really a value that the Army would not benefit from?
All that to say no; 7 is not enough, but who's counting anyway?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 27 at 2014 12:40 AM

2014-04-27T00:40:16-04:00

Sir, How about some good ol' Roman personal virtues:

Auctoritas
"Spiritual Authority" The sense of one's social standing, built up through experience, Pietas, and Industria.
Comitas
"Humour" Ease of manner, courtesy, openness, and friendliness.
Clementia
"Mercy" Mildness and gentleness.
Dignitas
"Dignity" A sense of self-worth, personal pride.
Firmitas
"Tenacity" Strength of mind, the ability to stick to one's purpose.
Frugalitas
"Frugalness" Economy and simplicity of style, without being miserly.
Gravitas
"Gravity" A sense of the importance of the matter at hand, responsibility and earnestness.
Honestas
"Respectibility" The image that one presents as a respectable member of society.
Humanitas
"Humanity" Refinement, civilization, learning, and being cultured.
Industria
"Industriousness" Hard work.
Pietas
"Dutifulness" More than religious piety; a respect for the natural order socially, politically, and religiously. Includes the ideas of patriotism and devotion to others.
Prudentia
"Prudence" Foresight, wisdom, and personal discretion.
Salubritas
"Wholesomeness" Health and cleanliness.
Severitas
"Sternness" Gravity, self-control.
Veritas
"Truthfulness" Honesty in dealing with others.

REF: http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Roman_Virtues

Roman virtues - NovaRoma

These are the qualities of life to which every citizen (and, ideally, everyone else) should aspire. They are the heart of the Via Romana — the Roman Way — and are thought to be those qualities which gave the Roman Republic the moral strength to conquer and civilize the world. Today, they are the rods against which we can measure our own behavior and character, and we can strive to better understand and practice them in our everyday lives.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 2:06 PM

2014-04-28T14:06:58-04:00

I don't know that I would add to it. Every organization has it's own set of values that it believes it's members should have to be successful within the organization. It doesn't mean we can't have our own values or should discount the values of others. It's just a basic list of of values that an organization wants it employees to share.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 28 at 2014 2:15 PM

2014-04-28T14:15:48-04:00

If you add more; someone will have to come up with another new acronym!!! (which may just lead to another acronym thread!!)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-04-28T17:11:22-04:00

We don't need anymore values. Personally I don't really pay attention to them. I expect people to be who they are. I think values start at home and how u were raised. People look at the army as just a job and not an exclusive club as I do. So it is what it is.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 5:17 PM

2014-04-28T17:17:09-04:00

As much as it pains me I must say do not add anymore as there are so many that still struggle with the seven we currently have. We need to take a step back and evaluate who is not living up to the seven Army values and process them out. Only once we meet all seven should we be consider anymore.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Sep 20 at 2014 12:33 PM

2014-09-20T12:33:53-04:00

Sir,

I think the 7, as defined, cover enough to say, Be a good person. I think that has slipped enough in our culture that the Army leadership felt the need to codeify it...sadly.

Seven is a good number...not too small, not too big. I think the bible went with 10...kind of in the same range.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 23 at 2014 8:56 AM

2014-09-23T08:56:01-04:00

I'll let Mr. Joel answer for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuFScoO4tb0

Billy Joel - "Honesty" (Official Music Video)

In 1978, Billy Joel released his album 52nd Street, which won two Grammy Awards for 'Album of the Year' and 'Best Male Pop Vocal Performance'. Watch the offi...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 6:24 PM

2014-09-23T18:24:57-04:00

Live by some basic rules listed below:
1) GOLDEN RULE: "Do onto others as you would like done to you"
2) ACCOMPLISHMENTS VS INTENTIONS: "You are what you do"
3) PROMISES: "Your word is your bond"
4) HONESTY "You are judged by what you do when other are NOT looking"
5) HONESTY "Locks ONLY keep honest people honest"

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-09-23T21:05:20-04:00

I don't think we really need special words to describe "be a good person".

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 1:14 AM

2014-10-22T01:14:36-04:00

I like all those other values. I think you are right.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Oct 22 at 2014 8:08 PM

2014-10-22T20:08:45-04:00

How many do we really need? Duty. Honor. Country. I don't think it gets any better than that.