Simply by watching the news, an individual may observe the scandal and dishonor that representatives have brought to the service in recent years. One may also observe how serious these acts were taken and how promptly punishment was carried out. The set of ethical rules enforced by the Air Force are a daily reminder as to how highly a service member should conduct themselves. The integrity that the Air Force encourages sheds light on how airmen should deal with the ethical obstacles both on and off duty. While these ethics may appear meek, they serve their purpose on an assortment of levels.…
The command structure in the military is, or should be, rigid. The leaders have great authority but with that authority come all of the responsibility for what happens or fails to happen. This case was different in that in the end it was only the individuals involved who were ultimately punished. As I stated before, an incident like this leads us to believe that the individuals involved were morally corrupt and in the case of PFC Green, mentally ill. It is easy for the reader to second guess all of the decisions and actions made by the leaders, but perception is formed through the clarity of hindsight.…
The two greatest weaknesses of the book are a lack of emphasis or attention applied to the responsibilities of senior leaders as well as the “real-estate” of the book applied towards Close Quarters Defense (CQD), the Navy’s hand-to-hand combat training. While Couch utilizes his example of CQD as a method the Navy employs to teach discipline and ethics, he devotes 10 out of 113 pages of his book to it. Instead, I believe the book could have been further strengthened by commentary on the failures existent within the mid and upper-tier leadership ranks within the military; specifically, toxic command climates and unethical behavior albeit non-tactical in nature. Nonetheless, Couch’s final chapter provides solutions to improving ethical behavior in a succinct manner. Overall, I enjoyed the book and can cite numerous instances from my own personal career where I would echo Couch’s advice and solutions to ethical dilemmas within our ranks.…
The ethical lens perspective is a group of four different views of ethical behavior. The Rights/Responsibility Lens focuses on defining your rights and responsibilities and using them to fulfill your duties. The Results Lens focuses on making choices that have the greatest good for the greatest number of people. The Relationship Lens focuses on being fair and insuring everyone else is treated fairly. The Reputation Lens focuses on developing virtues that build character in yourself and will be beneficial to the community.…
The US Army will not tolerate actions challenging the core values established through the foundation of its profession. The investigation and eventual trial SGT Robert Bowdrie “Bo” Bergdahl, one of the US Army’s own leaders during (OFS) is evidence of the US Army’s core values to protect honor as professionals and discipline actions such as desertion and conduct that is unbecoming of a…
I’ve been a Marine Judge Advocate for over 17 years. I say that not to admit guilt but state pride in my duties and profession. Despite the well-worn clichés and easy cynicism about lawyers, I am an unrepentant leader of Marines who questions the Marine Corps approach to character development in our Corps and the oft mere reliance on the “Judge” to teach “ethics” to our Marines. We, as leaders, need to do more to make sure the character that takes command in moments of crucial choices is well-developed in our Marines and beyond reproach. I’ve seen a great deal during my military career, from petty and major criminal conduct to extraordinary demonstrations of integrity and courage, both physical and moral, under fire.…
The American Soldier serve with honor; a professional, ready to protect our Nation at all cost. The Nation recognize the importance of this service bestowed upon our Soldiers. We serve honorably through intense training cycles, multiple combat deployments, and ongoing professional development. We care for the health and welfare of our subordinates just as much as our own families. Soldier’s support Army Ethics serve honorably and in return rewarded for their service however, some use poor judgment and violate Army Ethics possibly damaging our Army Profession.…
In order for a commander to sustain an ethical command climate in war, he must reinforce an ethical climate by deliberate planning and action. As critical as it is for a commander to be ethical in nature, its perhaps even more critical how a commander deliberately sets clear, unbending ethical guidance in both verbal and written forms. He must establish a level of doctrine for his unit to abide to in order to minimize confusion and establish official ethical boundaries. In addition to the establishment of those ethical boundaries, he must not hesitate to hold people accountable for their unethical conduct. He must maintain an ethical review process that is transparent and non-bias to evaluate all indiscretion.…
Why is accountability important in the United States Army? In order to properly understand why accountability is important, it’s prominent that the regulation, AR 600-8-6, be reviewed first. Following, I will discuss what accountability means to me in addition to how practicing accountability is just as imminent. Accountability is “the^50 quality or state of being accountable; especially: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one 's actions” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accountability)…
In this film, expert witness, Commander Dr. Stone, creditability is challenged by defense co-counsel Galloway “strong” objection to his testimony. Two hostile lay witnesses: Lt. Kendrick and intimidating base commander, Colonel Jessup, model soldiers, who have earned the respect and support of just about everyone in the courtroom absolutely, despise Defense Counsel Kaffee. However, Kaffee manages to provoke Jessup into admitting on the stand that he did order a “Code Red” in the infamous “you can’t handle the truth” speech justifying his actions (A Few Good Men, 1992). “Code Red” is an unofficial military order, signal and political strategic play used primarily to roughen up an uncooperative Marine that isn 't quite up to task compared to his fellow Marines. His very admission clears defendants of the charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.…
Accountability is the lifeblood of the United States Army. It is the first step in every activity and the foundation for every unit and organization. This vital concept takes many forms, ranging from property accountability to personal accountability to personnel accountability. This paper will discuss the importance of personnel accountability in the Army, especially for Army Leaders.…
Honor, courage and commitment, the core values of the Marines, define how every Marine in the Corps thinks, acts and fights. Honor is the foundation of a Marine’s character. A Marine never lies, cheats, or steals and always stands by an adamant code of integrity. Courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength embedded in every Marine. This is what allows Marines to remain calm while presented with fear.…
In the military you are expected to obey and respect the orders any officer appointed to a leadership position above you, officers and NCOs. As a soldier you are taught from day one to respect officers and NCOs. No matter how important the order is there will still be consequence although the consequences may be more severe than the others. Officers are not taught to march by officers, they are taught by NCO's.…
This concept helps understand military processes and its relation to Abu Ghraib. In military courses and drill training soldiers are taught to let go of their ego, and pride to follow direct orders from sergeants and higher military officials without question; blind obedience. Which helps explain why these horrific blood bath type events occurred at Abu Ghraib. The same is seen in the Milgrim and Zimbardo experiments, where the…
When I was tasked to write my philosophy, I pondered on what I should discuss. As I thought back on what means the most to me and how I will lead my troops, I had to refer to my personal mission statement that I wrote for myself after I became a parent many years ago: Through the test and trials of life; endure, stay focused, stay encouraged and be reminded that joy comes in the morning. Never forget the morals and values that were instilled in me. Make sure my children possess and maintain those very values. To learn from the past but not live in it.…