Five Characteristics Of The Army Profession

Civilian and Army professionals both agree on a singular fundamental characteristic critical to achieving lasting success within their respective professions. This central characteristic is the daily embodiment of trust from organization members. Trust, is the most important of the Army Profession’s five essential characteristics for three reasons. First, it is the bonding agent for lasting internal organization relationships in all teams at all levels. Second, it is enhanced by the remaining four essential characteristics of the Army Profession. Finally, it protects against widespread skepticism by shielding relationships. Without the trust of Congress, the American people, the families of Soldiers, and Soldiers themselves, Army leaders will cease to be professionals.
The characteristic of trust is the bonding agent for all lasting relationships within the Army. All teams must have trust to perform well. Trust between teammates enables each

1 (ADRP 1) as the foundational bedrock, some may argue that the most important characteristic of the Army Profession is honorable service. They would argue that without honorable service, the profession would lack crucial ethical components which enable mutual trust to exist. In actuality, honorable service is only achieved because trust has been given to Army professionals to consistently demonstrate character, competence, and commitment over time. Trust is already given. Honorable service only reinforces trust as service members uphold their constitutional oaths and make ethically right decisions. Congress puts great trust in Army professionals to prepare for and be ready to win the nation’s wars. Army professionals carry out their oaths and demonstrate honorable service. ADRP 1 points out that “Trust is essential for the successful accomplishment of every mission and endeavor.” This is why trust is the bedrock for honorable service and why it comes