Ethical Breakdowns Within the United States Army
Abstract
Senior leaders teach ethical standards, but don't always practice those same standards of ethical conduct. Army regulations and Command policies outlines conduct for all service personnel on or off duty. If you are listening to the radio, watching CNN, or reading the news, certain topics jump out to those in the Army: Abu Gharib; LTC Wesr and his method to obtain information; the execution of prisoners and civilians by soldiers stationed in Iraq. From our recent past, we remember cases such as SMA Gene McKinney's sexual harassment case, and the sexual harassment of LTG Claudia Kennedy, the highest appointed female general. The media sensationalizes these cases, and each one tarnishes the image of the Army. We also personally know the results of cases of unethical conduct around us: Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers participating in inappropriate relationships; Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers submitting fraudulent claims for financial compensation resulting in millions of dollars paid out in fraud; buying, giving, and receiving gifts against the specific guidance of the Joint Ethics Regulation (JER); and support of agencies and fundraising against the guidance of the JER. Many more examples of unethical conduct within the Army exist, but they are too numerous to list individually. Every Soldier, noncommissioned officer, and officer is taught Army values and standards of conduct from their first day of military service. Every Soldier is given a dog tag and card outlining the Army values: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. We define these terms to them so they have a clear understanding of each one. We teach Soldiers to adopt these values as their own, and to live their lives by them. We must conduct training about ethics and ethical behavior at least once per year. We evaluate personnel based on these values, regulatory guidance, and the civilian and military codes that govern us.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1111441
Entities
People
- Jeffrey S. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy