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  • T Minus 47

Army Values 101

LDRSHIP isn’t just an acronym—it’s the heartbeat of every Soldier. From Loyalty to Personal Courage, these seven Army Values will guide every decision you make, every mission you take, and every bond you build. In Basic Training, you won’t just learn them—you’ll live them. And once they’re part of you, they’ll shape not just the Soldier you become, but the leader you’ll be for life.

Joining the United States Army is about so much more than putting on a uniform or mastering drill and ceremony. It’s about transforming your mindset, your habits, and your heart to live by the values that have defined generations of Soldiers. In Basic Combat Training (BCT), you won’t just learn these values—you’ll live them every single day, on and off duty.

Here’s what they are, why they matter, and how they’ll shape you into the leader you’re meant to be.

Loyalty

Loyalty is the bedrock of trust in the Army. It’s having your battle buddy’s back, standing strong with your unit, and putting the mission above yourself. From the moment you step onto the training field, loyalty turns strangers into teammates—and teammates into a lifelong family.

Duty

Duty means doing what needs to be done without being asked twice. It’s squaring away your gear, cleaning the barracks, or carrying out a mission to the highest standard. In the Army, everyone pulls their weight—because success is a team effort, and duty is how you do your part.

Respect

Respect is recognizing that every Soldier has worth and treating them with dignity, no matter their background or beliefs. It’s more than a salute or “Yes, Drill Sergeant”—it’s listening, cooperating, and knowing that every role in the unit matters. Respect builds trust, and trust wins battles.

Selfless Service

Selfless service is putting the needs of the nation, the Army, and your fellow Soldiers before your own. It’s helping a buddy finish their reps, sharing what you have, and pushing yourself for the good of the team. In the Army, it’s never about the recognition—it’s about the mission.

Honor

Honor ties all the Army Values together. It’s doing what’s right, keeping your word, and representing your unit with pride. In BCT, honor means holding yourself accountable and living up to the standards of the Soldiers who came before you.

Integrity

Integrity is being honest—even when no one’s watching. In the Army, your word is your bond. Whether it’s admitting a mistake, reporting your gear accurately, or refusing to cut corners, integrity is what makes you dependable and trustworthy.

Personal Courage

Personal courage isn’t just about bravery on the battlefield—it’s about facing fears, taking risks, and standing up for what’s right. In training, it could mean conquering the Confidence Tower, speaking up when something’s wrong, or pushing past physical and mental limits.

Last Call

The Army Values—Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage—aren’t just words you memorize. They’re the foundation of who you are as a Soldier and the guide you’ll follow for the rest of your career. Remember the acronym LDRSHIP, live it every day, and you won’t just be building yourself into a warrior—you’ll be building yourself into a leader your country can count on.

I’ll be back next week with more tips and guidance. Until then, Hooah!

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Retired)