during their IET experience must be examples of proper military conduct and performance. Where the desired
environment is in contrast to a Soldier’s background or experience, it provides the basis for positive change,
exemplifying in meaningful ways what is required to be a successful Professional Soldier. When a Soldier’s
environment or behavior differs from the desired actions, leaders explain and demonstrate the Army’s expectations and
standards. This immersion requires Soldiers to adopt and demonstrate Army values and put them into practice,
understand how Army standards apply in performance and discipline, and leads to a fundamental change in their
behavior. It provides leaders the opportunity to relate attitude and behavior to individual and collective performance in
real terms that includes service in time of war. To be effective, all leaders and trainers must comply with the Army’s
highest standards.
>
> *
Note:
> The
Army Ethic is the collection of values, beliefs, ideals, and principles held by the Army Profession and embedded
in its culture that are taught to, internalized by, and practiced by its members to guide the ethical conduct of the Army
in defense of and service to the Nation.
>
> The
Army Profession is further identified by six essential traits that distinguish the U.S. Army as a Profession and
serve as institutional and individual touchstones to guide the Profession through time, contingency, and transition.
These essential characteristics are trust of the American people, internal trustworthiness, military expertise, esprit de
corps, honorable, service, and stewardship of the Profession. Reference figure 2-1.
> Figure
1-1. Characteristics of the Army Profession
>
> Membership
as an aspiring Army professional Soldier begins upon taking the Oath of Enlistment. Training in IET
begins the developmental process to attain the status of an Army Professional identified by three criteria that certify
Soldiers as members of the Army Profession of Arms. These three criteria are:
>
> •
COMPETENCE in Expert Work: The Professional’s work is expert work related to the design, generation, support,
and application of land combat power and the individual’s competence has been certified by the Army commensurate
with the level of certification granted
> •
Moral CHARACTER requisite to being an Army Professional: The Army’s expert work creates a moral
responsibility to act on behalf of a clie