Ethics, Tools and Processes - Concerning the Modern Air Force

Ethics, Tools and Processes

Concerning the Modern Air Force

Abstract

This paper examines the points of view and procedural knowledge of two subjects through interviews and military documents both online (internet) and offline (non-internet) concerning ethics, tools and processes in the modern Air Force. Both subjects are from varying points in the U.S. Air Force career spectrum and allow for a comparison of their individual and professional understanding of ethics. To protect the identity of the two subjects they are classified as "Subject 1" and "Subject 2". To create a medium and compare opinion from fact, the use of military publications and regulations will be used as a set standard and explained through the RDCAR (Recognition, Discovery, Cognition, Action, Reflection) model framework. In the interest of the Air Force "Vision", the Air Force Core Values (Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in all We do) will be used as the primary focus for questions and research, although, this information was not disclosed to the subjects as to not create bias in their answers. The conclusions provide varying knowledge of what the Air Force expects within an ethical framework, through the workplace and the individual.

Ethics, Tools and Processes, Concerning the Modern Air Force

The United States Air Force is powerful and lethal agent that that is designed to uphold the freedoms of the citizens it protects. Applying ethics to this type of organization seems to be a task that would be counterproductive to its mission, although here we attempt to isolate the individuals from the organization. First we will look at the Air Forces Core Values and compare them to the RDCAR model to shed light on how the primary ethics frame work measures up to civilian characteristics. Second, I will discuss current structures and processes in regards to training and education and move to the current ethical climate in the Air Force. Also, two subjects in varying points of their career answer questions concerning ethics in the Air Force. I will discuss shortfalls with the current media the Air Force has released and give recommendations to where the Air Force needs to improve.

Characteristics Relevant to Ethical Issues

The Air Force's Core Values embody each aspect of the RDCAR model framework and is evident in each Airman. Integrity First, is the most clarifying attribute the Core Values. It describes what is expected of the individual through the "Recognition" tool, it builds a guideline to follow and always