Core concepts of ethics in Department of Defense: ten core concepts form the ethical foundation for Department of Defense personnel.

We often are appalled when we hear or read about individuals in the private sector who have acted inappropriately or in an unethical manner. And We are more appalled when civil servants and military service members act unethically, seemingly discrediting all personnel serving within the federal government Why do these deplorable actions occur? Are the values of the private, public, and federal organizations confusing? Are the values too detailed or so complicated that individuals cannot understand them?

Most military members and Department of Defense (DoD) employees, when asked, will define ethics as a set of values, knowing right from wrong, or doing the correct thing. So, technically, our personnel do understand the term ethics, and most of them are required to attend some form of mandatory ethics training. What is interesting is that when these same public stewards are asked, "What are the DOD's core concepts of ethics?" few can answer the question; therefore, the DoD provides guidance to explain the core concepts and their meanings.

DoD's Ten Core Concepts

Core concepts are the basis of a common federal government culture. They form the foundation for meeting commitments, enhancing customer service, working to one's fullest ability, and sustaining the trust of the public whom we ultimately serve. In addition, these core concepts reflect the standards and expectations for military personnel and federal employees throughout the DoD. They are, in fact, the core beliefs--such as honor, duty, and integrity--upon which our country was founded.

The DoD has developed ten core concepts: honesty, integrity, loyalty accountability, fairness, caring, respect, promise keeping, responsible citizenship, and pursuit of excellence These concepts form the basis for all of the DoD's ethical policies and regulations and are the building blocks of governmental ethical behavior

Honesty

Honesty means being truthful and straightforward, regardless of grade or rank. As civil servants or military members, we are expected to be candid and trustworthy in all personal and business dealings in accordance with the letter of the law and the spirit in which laws, policies, and regulations were written. This means that we are encouraged to exceed expectations in all that we do, not only in doing what is legal, but also in doing what is right.

Dishonesty eventually is exposed and destroys credibility and undermines public confidence. Truths that remain untold, lies, and misconceptions promote ill will, hurtfulness, and distrust. We should always work to our fullest capabilities and be honest in all endeavors.

As DoD personnel, we are expected to perform our jobs to the best of our abilities and conduct ourselves ethically at all times. Honesty in dealing with each other is essential. We also must be responsible individually for the quality, accuracy, and timely completion of work. Additionally, for employees who work in a working capital fund environment, it is their responsibility to record their time and expense to internal or external customers in an accurate manner.

Integrity

Integrity is doing the right thing the first time and every time. Respecting our own and other's opinions and convictions, maintaining an independent judgment, and performing our duties with impartiality are examples of integrity within the work environment.

Integrity also means avoiding conflicts of interest. The DoD does not condone inappropriate, deceptive, or unlawful acts. We should conduct ourselves in such a manner that will never damage our reputations or the reputation of the DoD. This includes protecting from personal use such federal assets as computers, office supplies, vehicles, and other equipment.

Integrity also means submitting a correct travel voucher and understanding how involvement in government work may affect our personal and family financial interests. That is, we should not accept lavish gifts, payments, or services or engage in activities that are considered--or could be perceived--as inappropriate. In addition, we and our family members should not accept cash, gifts, or services involving personal benefit from clients, customers, contractors, suppliers, or anyone else. It is our responsibility to know and understand our DoD component's guidance on what is considered an acceptable gift.

Loyalty

Loyalty is the cement that holds America together, especially in times of crisis. As DoD personnel, we make decisions daily on behalf of our components; we are responsible for remaining free from outside influences that may place us and our organizations in jeopardy. We also cannot place our personal interests ahead of the organization's interests when making business decisions. For example, federal employees may not hold a second job that could hinder or interfere with their positions in the federal government.

Accountability

Accountability is setting an example for others to follow in their business affairs and personal lives. Our shared values are the foundation that establishes our behavioral values. DoD personnel are accountable to the public, the Congress, and the President. This value creates trust and support in an open democratic society. We also are required to accept the responsibilities and the resulting consequences for the decisions we make.

Records and other documents must be accurate, complete, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This is important, not only to the DoD, but also to the clients and customers that our components serve. Federal employees who enter this information (whether it is time attendance, expense, travel, pay, or billing information) are accountable to be truthful and accurate. These same records should be maintained in an appropriate manner. This is very important for audit purposes. All DoD personnel need to be aware of how documents are stored for record-keeping purposes. This includes how data are shared, stored, and retrieved as well as how data in all forms are destroyed.

We must exercise discretion when discussing confidential or classified government information; a slip of the tongue could be misinterpreted and bring discredit upon an employee or a military service member, the federal organization, or family members. We must be careful not to disclose personal, confidential, or proprietary business information through public or casual discussions with the media, customers, family, or friends. It is expected that federal personnel are open, honest, and candid; however, conversations or observations must, at times, be limited by confidential requirements.

Fairness

Fairness includes being open-minded and impartial; it rejects prejudices, biases, conflicts of interest, and undue influences from others who may override our objective professional or business judgment. As DoD personnel, we must be completely committed to justice in the performance of our duties.

Fairness also includes not pursuing any competitive tactic or goal that might damage another's reputation or is inconsistent with the vision or goals of the organization. We should extend impartiality toward all groups, persons, and organizations and comply with all laws, providing equal opportunities to all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or age.

Caring

Caring means being a good neighbor and showing compassion to others. Our actions affect others; therefore, respecting others is important. In addition, we should not cause intentional harm to individuals. Others observe our actions, not just because we work in the DoD, but also because we are American citizens. Through our caring, people come before the task at hand, and the mission can be accomplished without destroying the dignity, personal integrity, or moral outlook of others.

Respect

Respect means treating all with dignity, fairness, and courtesy. The viewpoints, talents, and experiences of individuals and the effect they have on our federal organizations and society at large deserve value and respect. Discrimination, verbal and physical abuse, and sexual advances should not be tolerated by DoD personnel, agents, or clients. Individuals who receive such behavior should take the necessary and appropriate steps immediately to stop all inappropriate actions.

Promise Keeping

Promise keeping means following through on one's commitments. Federal employees, and perhaps DoD personnel in particular, are held to a higher standard than that which private sector employees are normally expected to meet. We should not enter into any unauthorized commitments or promises binding the government; however, once committed to an authorized promise, it is our responsibility to provide the services promised in the highest possible professional standard We should strive to do not only what is legal but also what is right.

Responsible Citizenship

Responsible citizenship is taking our role in society seriously and realizing that we can make a difference in the world around us. We can set the example as responsible citizens and the standard to live by through such actions as upholding the Constitution, voting in elections, paying our taxes, obeying the laws, and respecting the American flag.

Although we may not always agree with our senior leaders, we should respect and support the hard decisions they make. In addition, we must support with devotion our warfighters and those who volunteer to put themselves in harm's way to keep our country free from those who would want to harm us, our democratic beliefs, and our way of life.

Pursuit of Excellence

Pursuit of excellence means being competent at our jobs and having high professional standards in all that we do. Because the public expects federal employees to have its interests at heart, we need to be mindful in providing the best service possible at all times. Our work should be excellent and free of bias, undue prejudices or influences of others, and conflicts of interest.

Moreover, it is our responsibility to ensure that we receive the appropriate training and that we have the resources and capabilities to perform our assignments. Matching our skills and talents to the appropriate job ensures that the warfighters, customers, and clients are receiving services from the best-qualified employees.

Applying the Ten Core Concepts

When faced with an ethical decision, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

* Is my action legal?

* Am I being truthful, fair, and honest?

* Will I bring shame upon my family, my organization, or myself?

* Am I harming someone?

* Could my action appear inappropriate?

* Is my action consistent with my personal ethical principles?

If you ever are unsure of what to do, seek guidance through your management, your ethics official, or your component's legal office.

There are a great many laws and regulations concerning ethics; however, if you review, understand, and apply these basic DoD core concepts, you will be empowered to make the best professional judgments in all that you do.

Core Values of the Military Services

In addition to DoD's core concepts, each military service has a set of unique core concepts or values that provide a clear path for military members and civil servants. The personnel imbued with these basic values perform and serve with a stronger conviction and willpower. The accompanying sidebar lists the core values of each military service.

Summary

DoD's ten core concepts reflect the fundamental expectations for all personnel within the DoD. They form the foundation for all ethical values and standards covering the responsibilities to sustain the public's trust and to maintain our clients and customers and the respect of our family and fellow workers

Army Core Values

Loyalty Duty Respect Selfless Service Honor Integrity Personal Courage

Air Force Core Value

Integrity First Service Before Self Excellence in All We Do

Navy/Marine Corps

Honor Courage Commitment

Coast Guard Core Values

Honor Respect Devotion to Duty

References

1 "Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct," Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP

2. Department of Defense Regulation 5500.7-R, chapter 12, section 5, pp. 155-157

3 Employees' Guide to the Standards of Conduct, Defense Finance and Accounting Service