Army Leader Ethics.pdf - UNC Charlotte Army ROTC

144 ■ SECTION 5Critical ThinkingeTake a moment to think through or write down some of the answers you wouldgive to these questions if you were 2LT Casey. Obviously the civilians couldbenefit, but the Soldiers could be harmed in the long term. Note how it isimportant to think in terms of short-term, mid-term, and long-termconsequences. You must also consider your mission, you next higher mission,and your commander’s intent.• Which course of action best supports your mission and your commander’s intent?• Which course of action creates the greatest good for the most people?• Which course of action best reflects Army Values?• Does any course of action violate an ethical or legal principle, rule, or regulation?(Consider the Rules of Engagement and Law of Land Warfare)• Which course of action is in the best interest of the Army, your Soldiers, and the nation?This part may feel like a juggling act, but with careful ethical reflection, you can reducethe chaos, determine the essentials, and choose the best course even when that choice isbetween two good actions or the least bad of a set of undesirable options.Step 6: Make and Execute an Ethical DecisionThe ultimate step in solving any problem is making a decision and executing it. Leadersare paid to make decisions. Your commanders and subordinates expect you as an Armyleader to make decisions that solve problems without violating Army Values. As a valuesbasedorganization, the Army uses expressed values to provide its fundamental ethicalframework. Army Values lay out the ethical standards expected of Soldiers. Taken together,Army Values and ethical decision making provide a moral touchstone and a workableprocess that enable you to make sound ethical decisions and take actions confidently.Step 7: Assess the ResultsThe last step in solving any problem is to assess the results or consequences of your actions.This can be very difficult to do at times. Once 2LT Casey makes a decision, will he knowwhat happens to the Vietnamese civilians when his unit departs? He may see their initialreaction, but he isn’t likely to see what happens in the long term. These people could takethe rations and sell or give them to the NVA. Or the medical supplies may save the life ofone of the young children in need. One never knows completely without the benefit ofhindsight. Yet it is still critical to consider the overall results of decisions to the best ofone’s ability. Such self-assessment and reflection are the hallmarks of a military professionalcommitted to self-improvement through lifelong learning.