Code of Conduct

W.A.R. Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct is a compilation made by a Warriors and Rodeo Youth and myself, with excerpts taken from multiple military and first responder Code of Conduct policies. Character and Integrity are the backbones of our service to America, yet while we all strive for excellence we also all fall short. This Code of Conduct is not meant to be a requirement of admittance to our organization but instead, it is a reminder of those ideals by which we serve. As some fight the battles of PTSD, depression, and loss of a vision for their life, I encourage you to remember who you are and why you served. You were a warrior and you are a warrior – continue to fight the good fight for the Life you are destined for. – Sheri Smith, President of W.A.R.

Commitment:  We expect respect up and down the chain of command. I will care for the safety, professional, personal and spiritual well-being of our people, show respect toward all people without regard to race, religion, or gender, treat each individual with human dignity, be committed to positive change and constant improvement, exhibit the highest degree of moral character, technical excellence, quality and competence in what we have been trained to do. The day-to-day duty of every man and woman is to work together as a team to improve the quality of our work, our people and ourselves.

Loyalty:  Bear true faith and allegiance to America, the Warriors And Rodeo organization, and other WAR Members. Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal member is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow members.

Duty:  Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team.  Part of duty is not taking shortcuts that might undermine the integrity of the group.  

 Respect: Treat people as they should be treated.  I pledge to treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.  I will be respectful and conscious of each member’s safety and welfare.

Selfless Service:  Selfless service is larger than just one person. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how she or he can add to the effort.

Honor:  Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do. I will conduct myself in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates, be honest and truthful in my dealings with each other, and with those outside of the WAR organization, be willing to make honest recommendations and accept those of junior personnel, encourage new ideas and deliver the bad news, even when it is unpopular.  I will abide by an uncompromising code of integrity, taking responsibility for our actions and keeping my word, fulfill or exceed our legal and ethical responsibilities in our public and personal lives twenty-four hours a day, illegal or improper behavior or even the appearance of such behavior will not be tolerated. We are accountable for our professional and personal behavior.

Integrity:  Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.

Courage:  I will have courage to meet the demands of our profession and the mission when it is hazardous, demanding, or otherwise difficult. Make decisions in the best interest of the WAR Team and America, without regard to personal consequences.  I will meet these challenges while adhering to a higher standard of personal conduct and decency, be loyal to our nation, ensuring the resources entrusted to us are used in an honest, careful, and efficient way. Courage is the value that gives us the moral and mental strength to do what is right, even in the face of personal or professional adversity.

Personal Courage: With physical courage; it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is unpopular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.

I understand that I have the responsibility to conduct myself in a manner that reflects proper ethical behavior and integrity.

Accept responsibility for my actions and for the consequences of my actions.

Be truthful and honest at all times and report instances of cheating or other dishonest acts that compromise the integrity of the WAR organization.
Conduct my personal affairs in a manner that does not improperly influence the performance of my duties, or bring discredit to the WAR organization.

Never engage in activities involving alcohol or other substance use or abuse that can impair my mental state or the performance of my duties and compromise safety.

Responsibly use social networking, electronic communications, or other media technology opportunities in a manner that does not discredit, dishonor or embarrass the WAR organization.

My fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice. 

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.

Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department.

As a citizen; to understand and uphold the law and perform the duties of citizenship
Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. 
Honor, courage, and commitment is what we live by.

Everything in the WAR Code of Conduct was taken from a combination of the Navy’s, Marine’s, Army’s, and  Airforce’s values.  Also the firefighter, EMS, and law enforcement Code of Conducts. 

Compiled by Naomi Smith, U.S. Air Force, daughter of WAR President and Founder, Sheri Smith. 

Links for the Codes of Conduct’s and values.