What does integrity mean to you? Published May 5, 2008 By Maj. Richard Marsh 90th Contracting Squadron commander F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Integrity is a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values. This textbook definition is fine and dandy, but integrity is doing what's right even when no one's looking. Those "no one's looking" occasions can be some of the most challenging. Integrity is so important, that it's the Air Force's first core value. Simply put: integrity first. From a professional standpoint, performing our duties with integrity is vital. The pressure to meet a deadline or get something to the boss can be two of the biggest factors that contribute to an individual's integrity meter being tested. However, these pressures shouldn't compromise our integrity in ways that would force us to cut corners or not perform certain functions that are vital to mission success and safety. The safety implications are not the same; The procedures for the 90th Contracting Squadron are different from the management of a weapons system. However, if certain items of a checklist aren't followed or we negligently manage an acquisition, there is another entity outside of the Air Force and all of DoD that is affected: the U.S. taxpayer. If our squadron performs without integrity, it can result in the award of contracts at inflated costs or acquisitions that must be re-accomplished due to flaws in the process. For this reason, our contracting officers and managers are constantly performing their contract actions diligently and appropriately despite the pressure to meet the needs of our customers. Some of our contracts include a majority of services which base members use: custodial service, military family housing maintenance and base communication. The diligence is especially important, due to the extreme scrutiny that Air Force contracting is currently undergoing as the result of questionable acquisition procedures. For instance, the $50 million Thunderbirds Air Show Production Services contract that was recently terminated due to identified flaws in the acquisition process. The further Air Force contracting can get away from terms such as "tainted with improper influence," "irregular contracting practices" and "preferential treatment," the better our acquisition processes will be. In the wake of this latest scandal, Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne said it best: "We must always have the moral and intellectual courage to do the right thing and continue to follow our moral compass in the decisions we make and actions we take." I challenge each and every one of you that when faced with a difficult situation or fast approaching deadline, don't let the pressures to get the job done affect your moral compass. Without a doubt, it's critical we all get the job done, but it's more important we do it with integrity.