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Ethics

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Ethics

The case study “Firebase Smith”, focuses on the Bravo Company Commander (myself) narrated in 2nd person, the high speed 1st platoon leader, 1LT. Urbanks, and my squared away go-to man 1SG Brown. This scenario takes place in Afghanistan on a twelve-month deployment with eight months remaining. The given information on myself in the case study (Bravo Company Commander) sheds light on my judgment, which reflects through my actions.

This case study had several implications of conflicting ethical behavioral issues. Though I believe that the true ethical dilemmas stem from the commander’s faulty judgment; however, if not corrected, the saga to this case study could end in sexual harassment or sexual assault for the female specialist. To support this statement, I first acknowledged the company commander’s judgment, which is the root of this scenario. Early on in the scenario the case study mentions that I do not get much sleep at night and that I often have late night drinks of rum and coke with my 1SG. The key word in that sentence is often. Often refers to frequently; meaning I’m most likely drinking 3 to 4 times a week while still pulling eighteen hour shifts. Realistically, this gives me about 4 hours of sleep, given the fact that the scenario does not state how much alcohol is being consumed. Questions now come into play of whether I am capable of doing my duty? Have I ever been hung over and how many times? When things turn sour do I sneak a drink during the day? These are questions that I believe anyone should raise given the details from the case study.

The second supporting statement of poor judgment is not addressing or correcting 1LT. Urbanks actions against 1SG Brown. 1SG Brown was correcting SFC Jacobs on not shaving, which states in AR 670-1 that males will keep their face clean-shaven while in uniform. A simple on the spot correction turned into a heated argument in front of subordinates. I as the commander let it slide since Lieutenant Urbanks platoon is getting the job done. I failed to support my 1SG; another bad decision. Respect must go up the chain of command as well as down the chain of command. This also brings Lieutenant Urbanks judgment into question as well. Not to mention the order to fix the three dead lined trucks. Furthermore, Lieutenant Urbanks actions described in the case study towards all the “high value targets” makes me question is he following the rules of engagement.

Under these faulty judgmental circumstances raises the dilemma of having a female apart of an all male firebase. Because of this, my main concern is “sanitizing” the firebase free of any type of porn or use of derogatory language; not directly briefing or counseling my Soldiers. Once again, as a leader, I have failed! Just because this is an all male company, I do not know if some of my male Soldiers may have been offended in the past by this material or profane language. In addition to this, I as the company commander do not address this problem with my Soldiers face to face when I know how my Soldiers joked about the 2nd Platoon Leader’s well being because it makes for a good laugh every now and then.

In order to solve this dilemma, I must evaluate and analyze all possible options to make this female Soldier feel apart of the team but most importantly develop some course of action to correct and resolve issues that have not been addressed due to poor decision making. Since I am the commander, it starts with me. The late night drinking sessions between the 1SG and I have to cease. How can a responsible leader deployed to a danger zone have frequent drinks when I’m supposed to be able to coherently fire my weapon at any given moment? I would informally police up my 1SG and likewise have him do the same for me while reminding each other what we are truly here for; to serve and protect. Whatever stash of alcohol that we have will be disposed of. Second order of business would be to informally speak with 1LT. Urbanks on his behavior toward the 1SG. Even though Lieutenant Urbanks is an officer, he must acknowledge that the 1SG is a Senior NCO as well with more knowledge and experience than us both. I will no longer tolerate disrespectful behavior towards my 1SG. If Lieutenant Urbanks continues to disrespect the 1SG, I will formally counsel him. After the second counseling statement, if he continues disrespecting the 1SG I will seek UCMJ action.

Lastly, in preparation of a female joining the ranks of an all male company, I will formally brief each platoon at their perspective shifts about sexual harassment and sexual assault, suicide prevention, rules of engagement and drug and alcohol abuse. When the female Soldier arrives, integrity will be enforced since we all will have to share living quarters, latrines and showers. A small space for the female soldier will be added as her living quarters. The female Soldier is required to be escorted by the1SG or myself when having to conduct personal hygiene day or night and a guard will be posted outside of the latrine or shower. Each Soldier will sign a formal counseling statement acknowledging that they understand. The same briefings, rules and standards apply when I formally counsel the female specialist.

In conclusion, as previously stated, as a leader and a commander, it starts with me. I must stand firm on the Warriors Ethos and be able to display responsible leadership qualities through my actions by showing my Soldiers what right looks like.

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