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What Would You Do? 2008

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What Would You Do? — One of Four

By Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. - December 17, 2008
You know the words you use in your reports are important, but the real promotion opportunity is seen in how you rank your junior officers - numerically.

One of Four — Author's Considerations

Author Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. discusses the major ethical considerations of the "One of Four" case study. Do you agree or disagree with his analysis?

What Would You Do? — Maybe I should tell my CO what I have done ...

By Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. - November 1, 2008
Chaplains often are asked to work on their own to improve the human situation in their area of operation. In this story, a Navy chaplain took it upon himself to "right a wrong."

Maybe I should tell my CO what I have done — Author's Considerations

Author Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. discusses the major ethical considerations of the "Maybe I should tell my CO what I have done" case study. Do you agree or disagree with his analysis?

What Would You Do? — Tomahawk Target — Collateral Damage

By Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. - October 1, 2008
While Congress and the president constitutionally decide when the U.S. goes to war and where we fight, the military most often decides who lives and who dies in war.

Tomahawk Launch — Collateral Damage — Author's Considerations

11/1/2008 1:41:00 PM Author Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. discusses the major ethical considerations of the Tomahawk Launch case study. Do you agree or disagree with his analysis? We received many thoughtful comments based on years of experience from the readers. There are two primary questions in

What Would You Do? — Abu Ghraib

By Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. - September 1, 2008
One of the most difficult questions regarding military ethics is, "Do we want our servicemembers to be morally responsible, or do we want them to do as they are told?"

Abu Ghraib — Author's Considerations

10/1/2008 Author Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. discusses the major ethical considerations of the Abu Ghraib case study . Do you agree or disagree with his analysis? Readers again gave very interesting comments on this case. And, importantly, these cases do generate a respectful discussion of diff

What Would You Do? — Rescuing the Boat People

By Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. - August 1, 2008
The U.S. Navy has a history of sending COs "over the horizon" with general guidance and asking them to use their best judgment. Often this judgment is used to decide between two competing obligations - completing the mission versus saving innocent lives. There are times when a CO cannot completely meet both obligations.

Rescuing the Boat People – Author’s Considerations

Author Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. discusses the major ethical considerations of the "Rescuing the Boat People" case study. Do you agree or disagree with his analysis?

What Would You Do? — Leave No One Behind

By Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. - July 1, 2008
Many military organizations adhere the code, "Leave no one behind." This phrase strengthens the fighting spirit and morale of a unit - but it also places a heavy moral burden on a commanding officer.

Leave No One Behind — Author's Considerations

8/1/2008 Author Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. discusses the major ethical considerations of the "Leave No One Behind" case study . Do you agree or disagree with his analysis? Almost all of the comments from the readers indicated the CO should launch the second helo, and many pointed out the code

What Would You Do? — Life or Death: The Marcus Luttrell Story

By Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. - May 1, 2008
One of the most difficult decisions in military ethics is the determination of the value of the lives of your own troops compared with the value of the life of an innocent non-combatant.

Life or Death — Author's Considerations

Author Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret. discusses the major ethical considerations of the Marcus Luttrell case study. Do you agree or disagree with his analysis?