Military Review English Edition March-April 2014 | Page 22

moral and ethical tenets of the Constitution,
the Declaration of Independence, and the
Army values [duty, honor, loyalty, service,
respect, integrity, and courage] characterize the Army profession and culture, and
describe the ethical conduct expected of all
soldiers.19
At USMA, ROTC, and in OCS, an inclusive code
of ethics should be based on cadets and candidates
embracing and upholding the Army values—as consistently demonstrated in their decisions and actions.
This principle denotes and mandates adopting the
Army values as one’s own. Accordingly, one’s decisions and actions will be in accord with one’s values.
In this light, an Army code of ethics must include all
Army values (see sample code of ethics in figure 1).20
This code (adapted to the values of each service)
encompasses what it means to be a trustworthy
professional in the United States Armed Forces.
Consequently, the standard sanction for violating such a code of ethics within our sources

Supporting
Document

AR 210-26,
United
States
Military
Academy

Section 3583,
Title 10,
United States
Code

of commissioning should be development, not
separation. Separation should be a consequence of
failure to demonstrate satisfactory progress within
a developmental program. Over the last decades
(1990’s and continuing), West Point has employed
highly successful developmental mentorship activities to provide remediation for cadets who committed
serious errors in judgment. The mentorship strategies
are tailored to the nature of the offense (e.g., honor,
respect, regulations, alcohol-drugs, leadership, etc.).
Each of these remedial programs requires a cadet
to be mentored and to complete several demanding
requirements, including study, reflection, service, and
assessment. While these programs are specifically
designed for those who have serious failings, ideally
every future officer should have an opportunity to
participate in a developmental practicum.
This concept has been fully supported by the
Army’s governing regulation for West Point, Army
Regulation (AR) 210-26, and the United States
Code, as shown in figure 2. Under this guidance

Excerpt(s) from Document

“The Superintendent will establish procedures and programs for the intellectual, military, and physical development of cadets as future commissioned officers consistent with the moral and ethical standards of
uniformed service in the U.S. Army.”21
“Cadets are required to act as leaders of character. They are not only to
abstain from all vicious, immoral, and irregular conduct, but they are also
enjoined to conduct themselves upon every occasion with the propriety
and decorum characterizing a society of ladies and gentlemen. Cadets
who conduct themselves in a manner unbecoming an officer and a lady or
ge