The Australian Army is a national institution, a professional fighting force and a force for good.
Army personnel do the right thing. Hold themselves to the highest ethical standards through self-discipline and personal accountability. They set high standards and live the following values:
- Service: The selflessness of character to place the security and interests of our nation and its people ahead of my own.
- Courage: The strength of character to say and do the right thing, always, especially in the face of adversity.
- Respect: The humanity of character to value others and treat them with dignity.
- Integrity: The consistency of character to align my thoughts, words and actions to do what is right.
- Excellence: The willingness of character to strive each day to be the best I can be, both professionally and personally.
Contract
Army’s soldiers have a solemn obligation to the nation. Their contract with Australia states:
I'm an Australian soldier who is an expert in close combat
I am physically and mentally tough
compassionate and courageous
I lead by example, I strive to take the initiative
I am committed to learning and working for the team
I believe in trust, loyalty and respect
for my Country, my mates and the Army
the Rising Sun is my badge of honour
I am an Australian Soldier – always.
Good Soldiering
Good Soldiering is Army’s cultural optimisation initiative and is fundamental to the success of warfighting philosophy. It is focused on fostering an organisational culture that solidifies trust in Army as a profession. It promotes a culture of optimal performance for individuals, teams and One Army.
Good Soldiering's teaming command themes are people, preparedness, profession, potential and partnerships.
People
Army's people are self-aware, comfortable with feedback and self-correcting. They demonstrate individual and collective good character. They value Australian people, their families and their communities. They develop and empower resilient individuals to contribute to optimal teams.
Preparedness
Army delivers individual and collective capability quickly in any environment. Army brings people together, shares information and integrates capabilities from anywhere. It is culturally competent and builds relationships to enable access and achieve influence. Army strengthens its relationships through shared vision and purpose.
Profession
Army reflects a national institution and a profession. It practices leadership and follower-ship. Army shows humility and always remains accountable to instil trust. It instils confidence through its professional mastery and shared competence.
Potential
Army has a bias for continuous improvement and innovation. It thinks critically, respectfully contests ideas, and experiments to unlock potential. It examines success and failures, learns quickly and adapts. Army collaborates and partners to realise potential.
Partnerships
Army partners to share information and gain expertise. It creates partnerships with the communities and other institutions to unlock potential. It engages in strategic partnerships that are in the national interest, and contribute to national resilience.