Ethics Thought Paper: Does Society Hold the Military Soldier to a Stricter Ethical Standard
Abstract
Does society hold the military Soldier to a higher ethical standard? This is not so much a problem but, a thought to ponder the fairness of the question. As stated in a Washington Post article, written by Captain Marc Hedhal, "It certainly seems true that military professionals are subject to unique moral situations. For example, military members can be called on to use lethal force when most of their civilian counter-parts are not. The question, however, is whether military members should be held to a stricter ethical standard. Is it worse for a military member to steal than his civilian counterpart? Is it worse for a military member to cheat on their spouse than their civilian counter-part? Why is it not possible that a corrupt man could still be a good soldier?" It is my belief that the military professional is held to a stricter ethical standard than the civilian business professional and society in general, even though the military professional does not perceive himself or herself to be of a "higher moral caliber" than the civilian members of society. We are members of society that join an organization; an organization that is held by society and the organization itself, to maintain a higher ethical standard. Is this fair? For example, think of the Soldier who is involuntarily discharged from the military other than honorably; they are subject to much prejudice from society. Discharge papers reveal "less than honorable conditions" which makes finding decent employment rather difficult. However, a civilian business professional that gets fired from their position is not scrutinized by society to the same extent that the former military Soldier is.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1117283
Entities
People
- Karen A. Kelly
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy