Soldiers in today's Army see the work force shortages. They have had empty foxholes in their own units. Now they find themselves with what they consider a routine medical condition. They know someone in the unit that could do his/her job with a...
All you hear from the media are negative reports of reserve component activities, but the positive is seldom reported. It seems like whenever you hear someone talking about the reserve component it is negative. I guess that makes the conversation...
Imagine if you will, you the proud parent of a 17-year-old daughter, who has just come home from school and said she needed to speak to you. She told you she wanted to join the army to be more like her old man. I almost brings a tear to you eye....
We have made decisions as a nation that we cannot erase, but have we made decisions that have wounded our ethical heritage is the question. The United States of America is currently waging a war on terrorism and is this war based on decisions that...
Some NCOs often create ethical dilemmas when there is no need. Regulations are our standards and they are not to be used only when they fit our needs. Other NCOs will argue that even though there is a regulation the situation dictates and NCOs take...
Much has been said about the way terrorists have been treated and what rights they should have. Some argue that they should be treated like you would want to be treated. The United States, in theory, treats all combat wounded the same, without...
Leaders must do the right thing for the right reason all the time. They need to be able to act ethically, to fulfill their duties, maintain their integrity, and serve honorably. However, this does not happen all the time. Sometimes leaders make...
As leaders, we have two basic responsibilities: accomplishment of the mission, and looking out for the welfare of our Soldiers. These responsibilities have a long standing history within the Army, however, today I must question the Army's...
A Sergeant First Class tests positive for marijuana on a unit urinalysis. He has 19 years in the U.S. Army. During the same unit urinalysis, a Major tests positive for cocaine. He has almost 20 years in the U.S. Army. The Sergeant First Class is...
It should come as no surprise that the Army fell short of its 2005 recruitment goal of enlisting 80,0000 active duty Soldiers. The surprise should be the fact that our illustrious institution has decided to lower the recruitment standards in order...
Misplaced loyalty is the ethical problem that confronts not only the Philippine Army today but the entire Armed Forces. A complicated ethical problem that needs an immediate but viable lasting solution. What makes this ethical problem complicated?...
When I was presented with the assignment of writing a paper on ethics, it was not easy for me. I am able to give anyone my opinion on any topic at any time, but I have never taken the time to put something down on paper concerning ethics. To me, in...
A zero defects mentality exists when the environment suggests that making mistakes and reporting "bad news" can lead to careers being ended or stifled. In such an environment leaders try to avoid mistakes at all costs and they are tempted to over...
A standard is a standard, and all standards must be enforced. The Army develops regulations to ensure that certain standards are met and maintained. Army regulations are law and will be followed by everyone. If Soldiers and leaders follow the...
As Senior Non-Commissioned officers we have a duty to mentor our subordinates in the ways of the Army. To teach them to make the right choices even when it would be easier to bend the rules or take a short cut. This is when we need to step in and...
An ethical dilemma facing today's Army is the treatment of captured insurgents. This has been a major topic of debate in political circles, the media, and public opinion. The perception is that the U.S. Military is using tactics and techniques that...
The Army, as well as other branches of the service, faces many ethical dilemmas on and off the battlefield. Leaders at all levels understand that their main duties reside in the welfare of their soldiers and the accomplishment of their mission....
Committing an Army Brigade Combat Team to the war on drugs is ill-advised and would have severe consequences. These ramifications include undermining the agencies already committed to the war on drugs and public opinion. A decision of this nature...
It is imperative to the success of today’s counterinsurgency operations that we thoroughly examine and learn from our past successes and failures. By closely comparing and contrasting past counterinsurgency campaigns our military and civilian...