Military Ethics and Values

Military Ethics and Values

University of Phoenix

Military Ethics and Values

"On 14 April 1994, two Air Force F-15's, under the command and control of an AWACS aircraft manned by a U.S. Air Force crew, engaged and destroyed two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters. Twenty-six soldiers, airmen, and civilians were killed" (Fogleman, 1995). Intense investigation indicted several officers involved after erroneously receiving highest ratings on performance reports. This tragedy revealed a flaw; not only a breakdown in procedure, but also a failure in Core Values and Organizational Ethics. In his address General Fogleman spoke about Air Force standards and accountability. His findings revealed a flaw; not only a fault in procedure but also a failure in Air Force core values and organizational ethics. Senior leaders within the United States uniformed services develop codes of ethics and values to ensure cohesion and collaboration of their personnel. Within the Navy, Marines, Army, and Air Force, code of ethics and values influence career success. Every member of the armed services must act as an ambassador of the United States of America.

Ethics

Ethics are principles of conduct, behavior, and knowing the difference between right and wrong. Each member of the US Navy has the obligation to protect the Constitution of the United States, fulfill one's obligations as a citizen, and comply with local, state, and federal laws. They must keep in mind the best interest of the Navy when conducting personal and official business. They cannot accept gifts, take additional jobs that conflict with government responsibilities, or make unauthorized commitments that bind the government (Department of the Navy, n.d).

As an entity Division of the Department of the Navy, the the Marines have established their own code of ethics. The Marines'Marine code of ethics is is not law but guidelines created by Marine leadership to assist junior Marines make sound decisions. They share in the belief that though winning is important, how one wins is equally valuable.

Values

Values can influence personal actions and how individuals react to others. Rich in tradition and cultivated by ethics, tThe Army has established itself as an honorable institution holding high its moral values and organizational ethics. Born from the bows of the Army, the U.S. Air Force offers a uniquely different perspective. The youngest of all services, the Air Force has been recognized as a viable force reserving their own tradition; notwithstanding a few obstacles. Leaders have developed guidelines to aid service members in making ethical decisions and demonstrate core values .

Values

Values can influence personal actions and how individuals react to others. United States Army core values include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. They must have loyalty to bear true faith and allegiance to the United States Constitution. It is their duty to fulfill one's legal and moral obligation without being told, respect for one another, and selfless service to protect the welfare of the nation. Soldiers must maintain honor to follow their moral compass, integrity to do what is right, and the courage to face danger and adversity under all circumstances (US Army, 2007).

Within the Navy, all members must adopt the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. They are accountable for their personal behavior and loyalty to their country. Members must display honesty, truthfulness, respectfulness, professionalism, and competence in all they do (Department of the Navy, 2005). Likewise, Marines value honor, courage, and commitment. These values were developed because Marines come from varying backgrounds. Core Values were developed so that each Marine is held accountable to the same strict standard (Marine Corps University, n.d.).

United States Army core values include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. They must have loyalty to bear true faith and allegiance to the United States Constitution. It is their duty to fulfill one's legal and moral obligation without being told, respect for one another, and selfless service to protect the welfare of the nation. Soldiers must maintain honor to follow