Ethical Argument Analysis

Introduction
Earlier this year my platoon was away on pre-deployment training at CFB Wainwright, Ab. We had just finished a dry fire (blanks) attack, so we moved back to an administrative area to conduct maintenance on vehicles and weapons. While these tasks were ongoing I heard a short burst of fire come from one of the troops C9 light Machine gun (LMG). We quickly conducted the proper procedure that are required after a Negligent discharge (ND). Upon completing this, one of my NCO’s asked if we really needed to report this. At this point I was faced having to decide whether to deal with the event internally with the platoon or report it to my chain of Command (CoC) which would involve charges for the soldier. I will discuss the ethical dilemma that I faced and the factors I took in account to make the right decision based of, my own personal values, the ethical values and their decision-making process.

Analysis
As I previously outlined of the situation I was faced with, although not the biggest life decision I have had to make, I still had to make the right morale and ethical decision about this situation.
It is my opinion that the ethical value that is associated with this dilemma is integrity. For integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. It is generally a personal choice to hold oneself to consistent moral and ethical standards (Integrity, n.d.) Its my duty and responsibility to enforce and obey the Code of Service Discipline (CSD), which is Part III of the National Defence Act (NDA) . The offence that occurred falls under section 129 of the NDA concerning the negligent discharge of weapons . So, it seems clear on what my decision should be
right?
I continued to think through what had just occurred and realized that I not only one issue to deal with but two. As I discussed previously I had the decision to report this incident or just deal with it internally within my own platoon, but now I have the raised concern that my Jr NCO that was involved and witnessed the event, that approached me in keeping the matter internally; how do I deal with him? Do I report him, council him on proper procedures and mentor him on the ethics values? I would have to default to the principle of Obey and support lawful authority which by our expected behaviours as professional soldiers and NCOS is respecting the rule of law and carrying out their duties. If we as individuals choose not to follow our laws how can we expect our subordinates to follow and obey their leaders.

Discussion

I clearly understand the current decisions I am required to resolve, and I know that I am bound by my responsibilities and expectations of a Senior NCO that I must react, which easily coincides with my own personal values in regards to this matter. As I think through on what I am required to do when a negligent discharge occurs, I quickly go through a checklist in my head of the steps that are to be followed. The offending soldier is removed from the weapon, weapons is cleared, function test completed, weapon quarantined and witness reports to follow. That’s the easy part. The Dilemma occurred once my NCO asked if we had to report it. The only reason this became an ethical decision for me is that I knew that I am accountable for subordinate’s actions and my duty to report it. However, on the other hand, my offender was a great solider who has had no previous training infractions. This actions was of an isolated event, further I know he has a young family at home, and with this charge there generally is a financial fine that may affect him and his family negatively. I could easily have my Jr NCO take him aside and retrain him on the proper weapons handling drill to avoid any further occurrences. Which would also be required if I was to report it. Additionally, I know must decide on my Jr NCOs idea of keeping the incident within the platoon. I weigh the facts and I consider the outcome of both; if I choose not to report the incident and retrain that soldier, I would prevent him from being formally charged, but I then teach the other members and NCO’s of the platoon that its ok not to follow the rules and exceptions can be made for the right people. In addition there would also be serious repercussions for myself and my subordinates of not report the incident.

Conclusion

In the end my decision became easy and I know defensibly and ethically, I must make the right decision and report the incident. Which in the end I believe that this decision served everyone involved justly and demonstrated to my subordinates that we must personify ethical values and principles to guide us in making sound and educated decisions within our careers and personal lives. That it can often be to easy to over look a situation, whether big or small. That it takes collection of your own personal values, life experiences and the right usage of