What makes you professional?

Per Merriam-Webster:

Professional:

: relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill.
: done or given by a person who works in a particular profession.
: paid to participate in a sport or activity.

With that basic definition, we can all agree that we are all professionals. We are professional soldiers. From the fresh from AIT soldier to the seasoned veteran.

That is what we do.

Now, as for what makes me professional...

Not insulting or cussing soldiers.
Treating my soldiers as the person they are first.
Applying common sense when it is needed. (Increasingly so given our budgetary constraints as of late)
Understanding that as a professional soldier, it is more important that I know my part, not just look the part.
Balancing the mission with the welfare of my soldiers. (If the mission interferes with a soldier's family issue, and it is something I can delegate or do myself, it is done. No one person holds the keys to any given kingdom, so to speak.)

v/r

I had to add that I remember one of my Drills would always tell us that there are four rules to succeed and be a professional in the military.
1. Right time
2. Right Place
3. Right uniform
4. Shut the #@%* up and listen.

Thought that was a succinct way to put it!

Maintaining a military bearing and remembering why I serve. Having the proper attitude and remembering that integrity and respect are a life-style.