Reflection on an Ethic of Officership

摘要: Units of the United States Army are engaged in two protracted counterinsurgency surgency campaigns that stress institution many ways. Among most dangerous challenges insurgent wars is their corrosive environment wears on even highly disciplined soldiers and from time to brings ethical failures strike at reputation entire force. The nature struggle also patience citizens, among them retired cohort armed forces. There was an argument before war about proper role military figures national policy debates. (1) This has been exacerbated recently by public demands distinguished officers for dismissal then Secretary Defense Donald Rumsfeld, second senior civilian chain command. (2) After 2006 midterm elections, one general suggested editorial pages New York Times no longer "with" leadership. (3) article designed lay out a framework discussion limits conduct those who hold President's commission, active retired; answer question: What Ethic Officership? It first striking only category member lacking coherent official or expressed ethic, creed, commissioned leader. "Code Conduct," "Army Values," "Warrior Ethos," "Soldier's Creed" guide all uniformed members, including officers. Noncommissioned Officer Creed, now Civilian each intended other specific categories members. is, however, officer's though does not mean there ethic officership where defined according German sociologist Max Weber as "those psychological sanctions which ... give direction practical [hold] individual it.... " (4) Officership still uncomfortable neologism, rising conclusions pre-9/ll Training Leader Development" studies. stands practice army existence officer separate type, distinct service established tradition, outward symbols, punitive unbecoming conduct, distinctions legal authority penalties disobedience assault execution his her office. Officers can be punished court-martial contempt toward government officials. (5) function officers, enlisted declared decisions US Supreme Court. (6) argues any must founded principles Constitution, "Oath Office," commission President, Section 3583 Title 10, Requirement Exemplary Conduct. Moreover, it asserts constraints such remain place so long holds commission. begins with Nation's governing compact. "We People" declare our purposes, formation more perfect Union, establishment justice, provision common defense, ensuring domestic tranquility. 8 Article I charges Congress "provide Defense," goes empower Congress: To define punish Piracies Felonies committed high Seas, Offenses against Law Nations; War, grant Letters Marque Reprisal make Rules concerning Captures Land Water; raise support Armies, but Appropriation Money Use shall Term than Years; provide maintain Navy; Government Regulation land naval Forces. …