Ethics is the study of right and wrong conduct. Concepts of right and wrong conduct in a given society derive from what the the prevailing religion teaches as good and evil. Because all human conduct essentially takes place in relationship to other human beings, ethical standards generally reflect the value ascribed to human life by the perevailing religion. In Western society, which is profoundly influenced by Judeo-Christian moral teachings, the overriding ethical imperative is that huiman life has infinite value and inherent dignity. Therefore, whatever protects and enhances human life is good, and whatever destroys or degrades human life is evil. Right and wrong conduct BY the military profession and WITHIN the military profession must be evaluated within this context.
Professional ethics is that body of written or non-written standards by which a given profession disciplines itself. Conduct which contributes to the purpose of the profession is "right". Conduct which detracts from the purpose is "wrong".
The ligitimate purpose of the military forces of a nation is to provide for the common defense, ie, to insure the survival of the nation's people and their way of life. The foundation of military ethics is the conviction that whatever conduct supports the accomplishment of that purpose is "right" - provided that it is consistent with the value and dignity of human life. Whatever conduct detracts from that purpose, or violates the value and dignity of human life, is "wrong".
The study of military ethics must consider not only the conduct of individual military members in a variety of circumstances, but also must address the larger issue of the morality of using military force to achieve national objectives. A key question involves the extent to which senior military officers should seek to influence national level policy decisions which may lead to the use of military force."
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