TC 1-05
Moral and Ethical Issues
commanders as they think through difficult, moral problems. Anyone
can use this process. It parallels the Army's decisionmaking process
soldiers and leaders use and abbreviates time-constrained situations.
The Ethical Reasoning Process
Step 1. Define the problem.
State the problem in clear, everyday language: "What is the right
thing to do about ___, given the facts that ___?"
Get relevant facts!
List decisions you will eventually have to make.
List important Army values for your decisionmaking.
(Example: Duty--It is my duty to discipline a wrongful action.
Respect--I still need to show respect to this soldier as a
person.)
Step 2. Know the rules.
Identify laws, regulations, SOPs, and other professional
requirements that apply.
Do your homework. Sometimes a clear understanding of a
regulation or policy solves what looks like an ethical problem.
If necessary, seek advice on what laws and regulations might
apply.
Apply these rules to determine ethical obligations.
Are there requirements?
Are there restrictions?
E-5
10 May 2005