The Rationale for an Ethic of Military Professionalism

by - Captain Glenn Whaley, USN (ret)

Ethics defined is the conscious, philosophical reflection on moral beliefs and practices. As such, any practical consideration of ethics deals with human conduct rather than beliefs themselves. Thus, while moral presuppositions form the basis for personal -- even national -- belief systems, it is human behavior that is the root of the interactions between and among people. We call these interactions "relationships". The military lifestyle is framed by very particular types of relationships, characterized by uncommon levels of dedication, camaraderie, and loyalty. Lumping these (and other related traits) together, the composite effect bears directly on how the military member approaches his/her chosen profession. In considering the case for an "ethic of military professionalism", there is rationale for considering the military lifestyle and its set of unique (or, at least, very uncommon) relationships as the dynamic driving such an ethic. The practice of this ethic itself then becomes a fertile ground for the demonstration of the vitality of the moral framework that under girds it.

An ethic must of necessity reflect a moral basis. (Even those who deny this go to lengths to establish an anti-framework for their ethical practices -- if only to have something to avoid conformance with!) The national and cultural traditions of Western countries, including Norway, are based on a Judeo-Christian moral foundation. Thus, the ethic of the military forces of those countries is defined by that framework. How then should the military professional who would be ethical behave to optimally reflect this moral foundation? More to the point, why should he/she do this? If the Christian consensus is to be faithfully borne out, the only rationale is that this Judeo-Christian foundation is sure, that is, demonstrably valid. If one would be consistent about this, then certain behaviors will be presupposed. They include:

1. Professional performance in accordance with biblical imperatives;
2. Consistency in the face of the close scrutiny to which the ethical Christian practitioner will be subjected in the typical military environment;
3. Healthy self confidence in the God-given abilities and skills of the one called to this demanding lifestyle; and
4. Sound knowledge of the building blocks of the moral standards being practiced, i.e., a working theology, practical and wisely applied.

The contention of this paper will be that only when these elements are present in proper balance is a true military professional ethic in evidence. Mindless adherence to patterns of behavior is not ethics; it is mere mimicry. If there is an ethic of military professionalism, as I contend, then it has its basis in the foundation of Scriptural principles. Or it doesn't exist.

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