Joint Military Ethics: A Framework for the Future.

Abstract : Recent scandals in the military have created a perception that the ethical standards of the United States Armed Forces are deteriorating. This deterioration threatens to undermine both the operational readiness and public support necessary to maintain an effective and empowered fighting force. Changes in mission and force structure have placed increasing demands on the military to provide education and enforcement of high ethical principles for all personnel. This paper examines the nature of current military ethics and provides an outline for establishing and maintaining a set of Department of Defense core values. In order to face the challenges of the next century, the United States military must develop an officer corps that understands and demonstrates these values.