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10th August 2016
Military Ethics
Military ethics is essentially premised on a framework comprising of both legal and
moral connotations. The militarys moral underpinnings stems from its longstanding tradition of
some wars justification whereas the law, regulation, Constitution, core values of individual
military service and the many officers brings about the legal basis of the militarys ethics (DOD,
P.1). It can be further deduced from the Army Field Manual 1 that the army establishes and
adheres to its ethical codes of conduct as a means of creating its own standards of performance
and maintenance of utmost effectiveness as all other professions do (DOA, p. 7). In practice, this
implies that the soldiers maintain the requisite effectiveness and also do so within the purview of
the law and the moral code making up the militarys ethics. Broadly, a notable distinction can be
drawn between military ethics and that of other professions. An example is its comparison to
medical ethics which is founded on doing no harm vis--vis the military which has a code of
ethics which sanctions and encompasses the taking of anothers life in order to protect that of a
fellow soldier, airmen or sailor. In 2006 however, the Department of Defense introduced a new
requirement for military ethics training. This training was termed Core Warrior Values and was
predicated on the need to emphasize discipline and professional conduct during combat.
Again, the idea of some wars being justified goes to the very core of military ethics and
their adopted foundational values. In fact, the rudimentary values of the military service reflect
integrity, courage, commitment and honor in relation to the ideals of the country and the service

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itself. These values are presented in the army as duty, respect, personal courage, loyalty and
service. It is accepted that war is not fun, fair or even necessary, hence the essence of having
military ethics require war to be just. This is based on the philosophical theory of resorting to
war as the very last resort; only waged on instigation by a competent authority. Just wars are
fought to correct wrongs such as unwarranted attacks, and the military must have a reasonable
chance of winning. It is waged with the goal of establishing peace in the long run, rather than
continuing violence unnecessary. Civilians must never be targeted deliberately in the course of
war and excessive violence is also shunned.
Respect for the individual forms the basis for the rule of law, the very essence of what
makes America. In the Army, respect means recognizing and appreciating the inherent dignity
and worth of all people. This value reminds you that your people are your greatest resource.
Army leaders show their honor to everyones individual worth by treating them with the
expected dignity and respect. The leader who gives others their due respect cannot fail to inspire
regard for himself in such persons; while the one who feels and equally manifests disrespect
towards others inspires hatred against himself (DOA, p.14).
Military bearing, discipline and respect have been firmly established as the fundamental
values upon which the countrys army is structured. These principles can be seen as an
embodiment of organizations strong beliefs in the most rudimentary customs and courtesies
which all soldiers should abide by or face legal consequences which may lead to ones
dishonorable discharge from the institution. The United States Army has respect as one of its
foundational values where respect for subordinates, seniors, officers and peers is held in high
esteem (DOA, p. 9). Conventional understanding denotes that respect begets respect but in the
military, respect is ultimately based on ranks. In fact, it is held that one should respect the rank

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and not the person specifically. This should be assumed to equally imply the converse; that those
of similar or lower ranks should not be respected. The value is based on the fact that individuals
holding such respective ranks have earned it and should therefore be afforded the due respect.
Soldiers are required to give the expected respect despite any personal perceptions of individuals
in such ranks as challenging their authority excites punishment and possible reprimanding.
Joining the army is equated to the forgoing of ones right to free expression, beliefs and
opinions. One sweats to be a member of the army which means that he has given up the first
amendment on his volition. The enlisted individual will no longer have freedom of speech
enjoyed by ordinary civilians who are free to speak out their mind. Ranking in the military then
takes course, where a soldier of a lower ranks has to do as instructed by one of a senior position
regardless of ones agreement or disagreement with the order. Essentially, ones individual
opinions are inconsequential because respect for the rank dictates that the order be adhered to as
required. It should however be understood that this fostered respect is pivotal in the structure and
foundation of as it depicts the existing chain of command; hence respect for the rank and
authority. Lack of any respect for authority and its adherence in general will inevitably lead to
collapse of the militarys structure and its establishment in entirety. Some scholars have gone
further and compared these state of affairs in the military to that of pirate ships where there is
little or no respect among the sailors due to their dislike for authority. Such crews never get far
due to the constant wrangles, mutiny and disregard for given instructions.
In a nutshell, respect for authority in the military helps to ensure that the various
responsibilities and duties given to different individuals are accomplished and also done to the
very best. It brings about stability, order and certainty of execution in regards to the set goals.
Additionally, military courtesy is another way through which respect in the military is depicted;

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since it is among the primary parts of the U.S military by virtue of the fact that it reflects respect,
discipline for each other and cohesion in the various units.

Works Cited

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Department of Defence. Army Core values. (2010)
Department of Army. Army Doctrine Publication. 6 (22). (2012)