Normative Ethics

The Army is a value-based institution. Army leaders must set higher standards, lead by example, do what is legally and morally right, and influence other people to do the same. The U.S. Army is faced with many exterior factors which can cause moral problems for the Soldiers; his/her family and more likely can affect the unit’s combat readiness. Some of these problems are found in the following areas; drugs, family life, alcohol abuse, fraternization, sexual harassment and many others.

Army policy defines sexual harassment/assault and prohibits it, but it is the execution of that policy that makes the difference. As a leader you must be open to complaints and be empathetic when they are brought to you. Listen sympathetically, bring the Soldier to the appropriate investigating authority or investigate yourself, get back to the Soldier making the complaint with whatever your decision is, and follow up to see that there is no recurrence or retaliation. When a Soldier has a problem it not only affects them, but it affects the entire unit. Today’s leaders must be a positive thinker in order to effective utilizes their teaching, training and techniques, which must be incorporated into every unit’s training program. Leaders must educate soldiers and Army civilian employees about the definition of sexual assault, the Army policy regarding sexual assault, and prevention measures they can take to reduce their risk of sexual assault. One of the most significant barriers to the reporting of a sexual harassment or assault is the victim's fear of punishment for some of the victim's own actions leading up to or associated with the sexual assault incident.

Many reported sexual harassments or assaults involve circumstances where the victim may have engaged in some form of misconduct (i.e., underage drinking or other related alcohol offenses, adultery, fraternization or other...