Daniel Beyond the Lions' Den
Abstract
The ethical decisions that the man-at-arms must make ultimately affect the very welfare-even the life or death - of the soldiers entrusted to his care. Also, the values that the military leader imparts, by dint of his example and leadership, to his junior officers and men have institutional effects that multiply and spread throughout his and succeeding generations of soldiers. Because values and ethics in the military profession take on magnified importance, the desirable characteristics of a true military professional have been formally discussed, taught, thought and written about for as long as there have been soldiers. There is, however, no intention here to suggest that the military has the subject completely in hand, because the debates and discussions continue, as indeed they should. Nor is the purpose of this paper to complete the record on military values; rather, the purpose herein is to add the understanding and appreciation of selected traits of the military professional by examining a source of instruction often overlooked as not being pertinent or applicable. The source is the Bible; the specific example is the prophet Daniel of the Old Testament book of Daniel. Daniel served as a government official in the courts of Babylon and Persia. As such, he presents a unique picture as a man of high moral persuasion serving in government. His integrity, candor, selflessness, and courage are examples for military professionals who desire to serve their nations honorably.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA182853
Entities
People
- Charles J. Mills
Organizations
- United States Army War College