How should soldiers display professionalism according to the Army Blue Book?

Displaying professionalism as outlined in the Army Blue Book centers primarily on adhering to competence and accountability. In a military context, professionalism means that soldiers must perform their duties to the highest possible standards, demonstrating not only their skills and abilities but also taking responsibility for their actions. This involves being reliable, making sound decisions, and ensuring that one’s work is of excellent quality.

Competence signifies that a soldier is well-trained, knowledgeable, and capable of fulfilling their roles effectively, contributing to the overall mission readiness of their unit. Accountability complements this by ensuring that soldiers own their actions and decisions, fostering a culture of integrity and trust within the ranks.

While personal achievements, relationships, and avoiding leadership roles can all play a part in a soldier's experience, they do not encompass the essence of professionalism as effectively. Professionalism is fundamentally about the commitment to one's duties, the army values, and the mission at hand, which is why adhering to competence and accountability is the hallmark of a professional soldier.