Military people are a cross-section of America, but they tend to be conservative due to the nature of their profession. They are also, almost by definition, patriotic people, motivated by their devotion to their country, proven by their service, which often includes danger and hardship.

The military strives to minimize political partisanship. General George Marshall never even voted. The oath of office we take is to the Constitution, not to any individual. We are bound to defend the ideals in that document, which is the foundation of our democratic form of government. The military desires non-partisanship and has no place for politics. It is distressing to me that there have been efforts to politicize this institution.

For about 30 years, I have carried in my wallet an old frayed card from my days in the Air Force. It spells out the core values of the Air Force. They are quite simple: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Every military branch has some version of their core values they share with their people. This happens to be a handy yardstick by which I measure a person’s character:

Integrity is the first. With honesty and accountability, it encapsulates the idea that we are trustworthy and can be taken at our word. That we do the right thing even when no one is looking. Conduct yourself with honor. You represent not only yourself but the organization as well. Airmen who lie are not fit to serve with others and cannot be entrusted with the mission.

Service before self puts the needs of others before our own. It may mean the mission comes first in critical situations. It can involve great sacrifice and requires self-discipline and respect for others. Our Medal of Honor recipients fall into this category. It is essential for teamwork. This organization has no place for an egotistic self-serving narcissist, sometimes known as a “Johnny one way”.

Excellence in all we do implies self-improvement, continuing education and high achievement. Play by the rules and do your job to a high standard. Practice self-discipline. If you meet all your goals, you probably haven’t aimed high enough. A member who is a convicted felon obviously aims lower than the minimum standard.

Beyond these core values, over a 38-year career I took many leadership and management courses. You will find the same tenets in corporate and civil leadership. They taught me to lead from the front. To praise in public and criticize in private. To make sure the troops were fed before I dined. To lead by example. There were dozens of other common-sense principles repeated over the years that all successful leaders have internalized, in order to be successful in a huge collaborative enterprise.

The leadership handbook is mum on the values of anger, retribution, name-calling, insults, obfuscation and lying. It is patently obvious that these activities are not conducive to productive teamwork. They are divisive practices only appropriate if one is trying to create fear and hate. They have no place in a military environment, let alone on the American political landscape.

The president is our chief law enforcement officer, sworn to defend the Constitution like the rank and file in our military. The rule of law, above all, makes the difference between tyranny and a free country. When the precept of free and open elections is violated, as it was in the January 6, 2021, insurrection, we have reached a breaking point. The leaders of the United States should strive to unite, not divide our people. The commander in chief of a great power bears enormous responsibility and should be trustworthy and inspire the people, not denigrate them. The president is the nation’s greatest servant of the people.

When you weigh your decision in the ballot box this year, education and experience will be important, but character is everything. By what yardstick will you measure our candidates?

Kennard Wiggins (kennard.wiggins@gmail.com) is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who works as a writer and artist in Elkton.