The War Against Integrity

Abstract

When fraternization and adultery occur among military leaders, such behavior negatively impacts unit cohesiveness and morale, especially when it goes unpunished. When President Clinton was not removed from office following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, military leaders were thrown into an ethical dilemma: appear to condone the Commander-in-Chiefs misdoings or publicly denounce his behavior. They remained silent, communicating to Soldiers that leaders lacking moral authority can impose rules and punishments on subordinates. For a "privileged" few like the President, there are "professional" ethics and "personal" ethics. However, as Senator John McCain stated, Presidents must live by a higher standard. Unfortunately, today's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy continues to say to Soldiers that integrity is relative. Only by living the Army Values can Soldiers be Army Strong.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 12, 2007
Accession Number
AD1117787

Entities

People

  • Cecil D. Edwards

Organizations

  • United States Army Sergeants Major Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Battlefields
  • Chaplains
  • Combat Readiness
  • Court Martial
  • Families (Human)
  • Governments
  • Homosexuality
  • Human Behavior
  • Law
  • National Security
  • Observation
  • Personality
  • President (United States)
  • Regulations
  • Security
  • Standards
  • United States
  • Vietnam War
  • War

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.