What is military morality?

Military ethics is a broadly interdisciplinary study, incorporating concerns about the conduct of war, decisions on how and when to engage in military operations, and issues relating to the moral psychology and care of those who serve and of veterans of military service.

Can there be morality in war?

Civilians may not be targeted in war, but all combatants, whatever they are fighting for, are morally permitted to target one another, even when doing so foreseeably harms some civilians (so long as it does not do so excessively).

Are all moral ethical?

Usually consistent, although can change if an individual’s beliefs change. A person strictly following Ethical Principles may not have any Morals at all. Likewise, one could violate Ethical Principles within a given system of rules in order to maintain Moral integrity.

Why is moral important in the military?

Military ethics, like medical or media ethics, are a core capacity that every service member should gain, develop, and enhance throughout their career. The primary purpose of ethics education is to provide individuals with the capacity to morally distinguish right from wrong when laws are no longer helpful.

Can a soldier be moral in an immoral war?

Soldiers can only be as moral or ethical as the military and political leadership they are serving. Even if you somehow manage to display the most flawless individual behavior, your efforts will be tainted by your leadership’s actions. You can’t be moral in an immoral war.

What is the importance of ethics in the military?

However, moral, ethical and psychological preparation of oneself, one’s unit, and our Soldiers must be the focus. Applied ethics training through self-study fosters the development of a unique combination of values, principles, knowledge, skills, and abilities critical for decision making and effective leadership in combat.

Where can I learn more about moral combat in the military?

Third, the Center for the Army Profession and Ethic (CAPE) has a top notch website with multiple online learning opportunities to broaden your understanding and to practice handling actual moral and ethical challenges that have occurred in combat. Using the CAPE homepage, click Virtual Simulators and then click Moral Combat.

Should leaders study the moral dimensions of war?

As leaders, we must embrace the duty to study the moral, ethical, and psychological dimensions of war. Some leaders may argue that that these topics are somehow “peripheral” or “nice to know” in nature versus what Soldiers and leaders really “need to know.”