In line with a similar brief in September by the SgtMaj of the Army, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey recently told cadets at the US Air Force Academy that character is more important than competence:

The chairman said the importance of character sometimes takes a backseat to competence. This should be the other way around, he said.

“Character plus competence is the way you need to think,” he said. “You have to not only be the best at whatever you’re assigned to…[but also] own the institution in the sense that people will form an impression about its values and relationship with the American people through you, based on your personal conduct on duty, off duty and in the virtual world.”

It is noteworthy that he spoke about character on and off duty — and in the “virtual world.”  It would seem some military members might be “form[ing] an impression…with the American people” through social media that demonstrates poor values or character.

The Chairman says that one cannot merely be a technically-skilled tank driver, infantryman, or fighter pilot.  One must also be a person of character.  While the Chairman didn’t say it, others have: skill or “competence” without character can be a “disaster.”

Competence without character can also be the source of great evil.

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