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STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND

GOVERNMENT ETHICS

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INTRODUCTION

• Military Service is a Public Trust

• Department of Defense

Joint Ethics Regulation

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• Ensure fair treatment for those dealing with the government

• Prevent military personnel from abusing their power

• Have a single standard of behavior for all military personnel

THE NEED FOR RULES

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MAJOR AREAS OFETHICS RULES

• Contracting

• Gifts from Outside Sources

• Gifts Between Employees

• Conflicting Financial Interests

• Misuse of Position

• Outside Activities

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MAJOR AREAS OFETHICS RULES

• Gambling

• Travel Benefits

• Political Activities

• Seeking Future Employment

• Charity Fundraising

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CONTRACTING

• Contracting with outside sources

• Taking precautions to ensure proper conduct / process

• Proper grounds for award

• Award based on merit

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GIFTS FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES

• General rule

• Purpose

• “Gift”

• Not a gift

• Exceptions

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GIFTS BETWEEN EMPLOYEES• General rules / prohibition

No gift to seniorNo accepting from subordinateRationale

• ExceptionsPersonal relationshipFood/refreshmentsHospitalitySpecial infrequent occasion

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CONFLICTING FINANCIAL INTERESTS

• Member (and family) business prohibition

• Federal employee acting in matters that present appearance of impropriety

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MISUSE OF POSITION

• No use for private gain

• Endorsement

• Use of government information

• Use of government property

• Use of subordinates

• Official position / influence

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OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

• Off-duty employment

• Outside compensation

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GAMBLING

• Generally prohibited on government property

• Gambling with subordinates:– appearance of impropriety– impacts proper relationships

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TRAVEL / BENIFITS

• Retention of promotional items

• Flying in uniform

• Flying 1st Class

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POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

• Service Members May:– vote– express personal opinions– write letters to newspapers– contribute money to campaigns

• Service Members May Not:– use authority to influence elections– solicit contributions from service members &

employees– use contemptuous words against office holders

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SEEKING FUTURE EMPLOYMENT

• Procurement activities

• Appearance of unfair use of prior government service

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CHARITY FUNDRAISING

• No solicitation from subordinates or from prohibited sources

• No preferential treatment by command to an organization

• Commercial interests limitations

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SANCTIONS

• Violations of Standards of Conduct– administrative options– civilian criminal court–military courts-martial

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STANDARDS OF CONDUCT COUNSELOR

• Qualified Legal Advisor (designated in writing)

• Provides Advance Advise to Personnel

• Provides Advice to Command/Agency

• “Safe Harbor” Protection for Personnel

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CONCLUSION

• Standards of Conduct govern official activities

• Goals are to:– prevent abuse of position & power

– maintain government integrity– ensure fair treatment and morale– prevent unjust enrichment

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