JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) – August 28, 2015 — Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody delivered the initial handout of the pamphlet, “America’s Air Force: A Profession of Arms,” Aug. 27 to the Air Force’s newest Airmen at Airmen’s Week.
The pamphlet represents the next evolution of the “little blue book,” and provides Airmen with instant access to the core guides, values, codes and creeds that guide Airmen in their service in the profession of arms.
“Our people are the greatest part of our Air Force and when America’s sons and daughters chose to join our ranks, it is our responsibility to develop them into Airmen,” James said. “As Airmen, we are charged with upholding a culture founded on professionalism, dignity and respect — that’s what our core values are about.”
During the visit, Welsh explained the importance of professionalism to the Airmen.
“What’s in this document is nothing new to Airmen, but is a reminder that service to one’s country is no ordinary calling,” Welsh said. “America holds us in high regard because of what we stand for: integrity, service and excellence. Those who wear this uniform should continuously reflect on our commitment to our nation and each other.”
Welsh added that the core values are a commitment found in the oaths we take and are represented in large and small ways around our Air Force every day.
Cody explained the significance of the little blue book and stressed that content defines what is expected of Airmen.
“Today our all-volunteer professional force continues to build on the legacy of those men and women who came before us in our chosen Profession of Arms,” Cody said. “The professionalism of our force is unprecedented because of our commitment to service, a dedication to holding ourselves to higher standards, and an unyielding pursuit by Airmen to do better. Service in our Air Force is a higher calling and we carry this legacy forward for future generations of Airmen. This book is a guide to the meaning of service and the principles that make us so strong.”
The original little blue book, “Air Force Core Values,” has never been assigned an official publication number and differs from Air Force Instruction 1-1, “Air Force Standards,” which is a small printed book with a blue cover. The new pamphlet updates the original little blue book and is now owned by the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence.
The little blue book is available in a variety of formats. Airmen can download the PDF from the PACE website. The book is also available as a free mobile application on Android. PACE anticipates a free mobile application will be available for Apple devices in the near future. Airman can download the application to their devices by searching “little blue book” in the application store. Airmen will soon see a shortcut icon on their desktops that will link to a web application. This book is also available at Air Force e-Publishing and is linked under “Items of Interest,” as “Profession of Arms Handbook.”
PACE will have instructions on their website Aug. 27, explaining how units can order hard copies through the Defense Logistics Agency.