One way MOAA attempts to fulfill our goal of being the professional association of choice for all military officers and their families is by promoting enduring values of military professionals, including the highest ethical standards.
Each month, this page will feature a different ethics case study provided by Capt. Rick Rubel, USN-Ret., distinguished Professor of Ethics at the U.S. Naval Academy. With each case study, Rubel will provide suggested questions, and readers will be able to discuss and comment. Whether you are currently serving, in a second career, or retired, there will be something here that makes you think. Unlike rules of engagement or standards of conduct, remember there is not necessarily a right answer to an ethical dilemma.
We hope you find this series interesting, but more important, we hope to promote discussion and thinking about ethical challenges facing people in uniform, whether in combat or in the normal course of duty.
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.
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?”
Read the author's analysis and tell us what you think.
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.
Read the author's analysis and tell us what you think.
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.
Read the author's analysis and tell us what you think.
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.
Read the author's analysis and tell us what you think.