Military Ethics Essay

Ethics in Military

All military members have the duty to oppose enemies of the United States at all times and under all circumstances and support its national interests (Code of Conduct, 2013). This duty presents ethical issues of the members in serving and protecting the nation and members of their respective units, as well as others, in combat, as POW, or day-to-day. Integrity is the biggest ethical issue because it not only is the integrity of the member, but the entire military force of the United States. Without integrity, casualty rates are higher during war time and the defense of the nation is put at higher risks.

The first code, "I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense." (Code of Conduct, 2013), sets the tone for high standards of integrity in military ethics. To be willing to give up life is willing to do anything necessary for the protection of the country and way of life. To be willing to give up one's own life is a high standard of integrity.What segregates the military from others who share high values is the commitment to preserve and protect the honor and independence of the nation with their lives (Siang, July-Sept 1998). Military members are held to a solemn pledge to always bear truth and allegiance to the President, support and defend the Constitution, and protect the honor and independence of the nation with their lives. This requires integrity to be an unwritten binding law of jurisprudence that a member's word can be depended on as absolute truth.

Military ethics are absolute and unchanging that creates bonds where confidence and trust permeate the entire force as well as providing a higher assurance of honor and protection to the nation's societal members. The social aspect of professional conduct involves the shared responsibility of all the members. Society and enemies tend to judge the entire military force based upon the actions of one military member. If all military members are acting with integrity in group efforts to meet the common goal of protecting the honor and independence of the….....