“The environment in which members of the military must operate poses a severe threat to consistent moral behavior.” (Hartle 1) The opening sentence of Anthony Hartle’s Moral Issues in Military Decision Making starts a conversation with the reader about a serious topic in today’s military. Hartle published the first edition of his book back in 1984 when the biggest threat to the United States was the Soviet Union. After their collapse the landscape of the world changed with the United States emerging as the most powerful force in the world. In order to deter use of this power many countries raced to get nuclear capabilities to deter the US. The book covers how the Military of the US fits into this ever changing world and, more importantly, how
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His main objective is to discuss the moral decision making and how it applies to the Military, especially in cases of life and death. He explains how leaders in the Military make decisions, from their own personal values to the oath they take on their day of commissioning. He brings up an interesting point about the oath and allegiance to the President (and other leaders appointed above them) compared to their allegiance to the Constitution (Hartle 53-54). His point goes on to explain how leaders can object to orders given to them if they deem them immoral or unethical. I think this point explains a lot of the book well and also connects to how relevant it can be in today’s world because of the consistent need for moral decision …show more content…
In an analysis of command, there was four “learning objectives” found for Military leaders: Knowledge, Skills, Insights, and Values (Hartle 14). The inclusion of values in this list cannot be understated and I don’t think it is an accident that many leaders need to be aware of not only personal values, but the values of the Military and society. The Joint Ethnic Regulation (JER) has its foundation on a set of values, many of which are translated directly to or somehow related to Army Values. They include Honesty, Loyalty, Accountability, Fairness, Caring, Respect, Promise Keeping, and Responsible Citizenship (Hartle 65-66). The relationship between these values and Army Values makes a clear connection to how this book and what it stands for can be applied to in future leadership operations.
In conclusion, Anthony Hartle’s book provides insight into how moral decision making is made and how it applies to today’s military. These values make a clear connection to the Army Values and how it can be applied to today’s military. The need for good moral decision makers is growing every day in the Military and this book provides a good basis for ways to
His main objective is to discuss the moral decision making and how it applies to the Military, especially in cases of life and death. He explains how leaders in the Military make decisions, from their own personal values to the oath they take on their day of commissioning. He brings up an interesting point about the oath and allegiance to the President (and other leaders appointed above them) compared to their allegiance to the Constitution (Hartle 53-54). His point goes on to explain how leaders can object to orders given to them if they deem them immoral or unethical. I think this point explains a lot of the book well and also connects to how relevant it can be in today’s world because of the consistent need for moral decision …show more content…
In an analysis of command, there was four “learning objectives” found for Military leaders: Knowledge, Skills, Insights, and Values (Hartle 14). The inclusion of values in this list cannot be understated and I don’t think it is an accident that many leaders need to be aware of not only personal values, but the values of the Military and society. The Joint Ethnic Regulation (JER) has its foundation on a set of values, many of which are translated directly to or somehow related to Army Values. They include Honesty, Loyalty, Accountability, Fairness, Caring, Respect, Promise Keeping, and Responsible Citizenship (Hartle 65-66). The relationship between these values and Army Values makes a clear connection to how this book and what it stands for can be applied to in future leadership operations.
In conclusion, Anthony Hartle’s book provides insight into how moral decision making is made and how it applies to today’s military. These values make a clear connection to the Army Values and how it can be applied to today’s military. The need for good moral decision makers is growing every day in the Military and this book provides a good basis for ways to