Lesson: Uncompromising Character in the Officer Corps

• Study of SECAF Roche’s Speech, 28 Feb03

In a letter to

Gen Hankins, AFOATS/CC “…the AF will not tolerate those who sexually

assault others, fail to prevent such assaults, protect the assailants, or shun or harass those who come forward to report the criminals. It’s the AF policy to treat all individuals with dignity & respect…Such despicable acts towards others not only show a lack of self-control that discredits the perpetrator, but also impact the mission and erode the morale, good order and discipline of the entire unit.”

Gen Cook, AETC/CC Mar 03

OVERVIEW: Uncompromising Character in the Officer Corps

• High moral standards of conduct

• Ethical & moral challenges

• Concern for “moral relativism”

• Character & leadership

“When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad,I feel bad. That’s my religion.”

High Moral Standards of Conduct

• Discipline

• Integrity

• Accountability

• Noble profession

“Keep looking below surface appearances. Don't shrink from doing so just because you might not like what you find.”  

“Never neglect details. When everyone's mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant.” --Colin Powell

Ethical & Moral Challenges

• Compromise/peer pressure

• Character & judgment

• “Wingman” culture

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil or injustice is that good men do nothing.” --Edmund Burke, 1729-1797

Concern for “Moral Relativism”• Def: Moral relativism (individual choice)• Moral relativism vs Values• Cultural changes (tolerance for diverse

behaviors)“Will people ever be wise enough to refuse…to take away the freedom of others?” --Eleanor Roosevelt

“…We want officers:…”(Roche, 28 Feb 03)

• With forthright integrity…voluntarily decide the right thing to do;

• Who are selfless in service…;• Who are committed to excellence (personally,

professionally)• Who respect the dignity of all human beings;• Who are decisive, even when facing high risk;• Who take full responsibility for their decisions and actions;• Who reflect always the “special trust and confidence”

reposed in them;• And, who have the self-discipline, determination, and

courage to do their duty well under even the most extreme and prolonged conditions

Moral relativism not an option here…

Character & Leadership

• Internalize…start NOW (you can’t wait until you’re an officer)

• Commitment

• “Do the right thing”

The time is always right to do what is right.  ~Martin L.King Jr.

SUMMARY: Uncompromising Character in the Officer Corps

• High moral standards of conduct

• Ethical & moral challenges

• Concern for “moral relativism”

• Character & leadership

4 Mar 02 - SrA Jason Cunningham (age 26), 38th Rescue Sq, was hit in the abdomen by machine-gun fire in the snowy, 10,000 ft mountains of Afghanistan while treating the wounded and pulling others to safety. He continued to treat 10 wounded men until he died, more than 7 hrs later

22nd recipient of AF Cross

Cadet Cunningham (FT - Ellsworth II ’02)

“More important, we want to be recognized for producing men and women of the highest character and moral standards…men and women who can look…Cadet Teresa Cunningham in the eyes and not be ashamed of what they have done…or what they have failed to do…”

(SECAF Roche, 28 Feb 03)

                               

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously, this is how character will be built.” --Eleanor Roosevelt