Ethical challenges within the arm forces

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rewrite the attached analytical essay. (add / take/ correct).Relate the principles of mission command (7 principles disciplined initiative , shared understanding, clear command intent, mutual trust, competence, command control, accept prudent risk ) to the subject of ethical challenges within the military. case study : brief overview2 vehicles on the road conducting routine checks. suddenly start taking enemy shots. First vehicle catches fire only one person exit the vehicle. Frank, in charge of the second vehicle was told (over radio) to keep it moving to avoid further loss. In the hit of the moment, looking at the survivor, Frank ignored the instructions given and accept the risk of stopping his vehicle to pick up the survivor from the first vehicle. All return to safety. No reprimand to Frank because although going against instruction in the hit of the moment, he was the one on groung in charge and he accepted prudent risk and probably clearly understood the commander’s intent prior to starting his mission. Again analyze and evaluate the major points of this case study for research utilizing the principles of mission command. fully explain your analysis. make sure to provide transitional sentences from one topic to the next. add references. 3 pages not to include cover and reference page

Sample Solution

Ethical Dilemmas and Mission Command: A Case Study Analysis

The battlefield presents a complex environment where split-second decisions can have life-or-death consequences. Soldiers face not only the dangers of combat but also the ethical challenges inherent in warfare. The principles of mission command, a military doctrine emphasizing decentralized decision-making and trust, offer a framework for navigating these complexities. This essay analyzes a case study involving a military patrol encountering an ambush and the ethical dilemma faced by the leader of the second vehicle. By applying the principles of mission command, we can evaluate the soldier’s actions and their implications for ethical decision-making in combat.

The Case Study: A Test of Mission Command Principles

The scenario involves two military vehicles conducting routine checks when they encounter enemy fire. One vehicle catches fire, with only one survivor escaping. Frank, the leader of the second vehicle, receives orders via radio to keep moving to avoid further casualties. However, witnessing the survivor’s plight, Frank makes a critical choice – he ignores the instructions and stops his vehicle to rescue the soldier. The case study concludes with all personnel returning safely, and Frank facing no reprimand for disobeying orders. This seemingly positive outcome raises several questions for analysis through the lens of mission command principles.

Shared Understanding and Clear Commander’s Intent

The principle of shared understanding emphasizes the importance of all personnel having a clear grasp of the mission’s objectives and the commander’s intent. This case study suggests that Frank likely possessed a strong understanding of the broader mission goals. Despite receiving specific instructions to keep moving, Frank understood the commander’s ultimate intent – to minimize casualties wherever possible. This shared understanding allowed Frank to adapt his actions based on the situation while still fulfilling the mission’s overall objective. (Leader Development for the 21st Century [invalid URL removed])

Disciplined Initiative and Accepting Prudent Risk

Disciplined initiative empowers soldiers to make independent decisions within the established mission parameters. In this case, Frank exercised disciplined initiative by defying the direct order to keep moving. He recognized the opportunity to save a life and weighed the potential consequences: disobeying orders versus letting a fellow soldier perish. This highlights the importance of accepting prudent risk, another principle of mission command. Frank assessed the situation and judged the risk of stopping to be acceptable, given the potential reward of saving a life. (Mission Command [invalid URL removed])

Mutual Trust: A Foundation for Ethical Decisions

Mutual trust, a cornerstone of mission command, fosters a sense of accountability and confidence within the unit. The soldiers in this case study likely possessed a strong foundation of mutual trust. This trust allowed Frank to believe that his commander would understand his decision to prioritize saving a life, even if it meant disobeying a direct order. The lack of reprimand after the event further reinforces the existence of this trust. (Values, Ethics, and Mission Command: Trust as a Conscious Act of Force [invalid URL removed])

Ethical Implications and Considerations

While the outcome of this case study proved positive, it is essential to acknowledge the potential ethical ramifications of disobeying orders, even with good intentions. Blindly following orders can lead to disastrous outcomes, as evidenced by historical examples. However, this case highlights how mission command principles, when instilled effectively, can empower soldiers to navigate ethical dilemmas on the battlefield.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates that mission command principles can provide a valuable framework for ethical decision-making in the military. Shared understanding, clear commander’s intent, disciplined initiative, accepting prudent risk, and mutual trust all contributed to Frank’s actions and the positive outcome. While every situation is unique, this analysis underscores the importance of fostering these principles within military units to empower soldiers to make ethical choices even in the face of complex challenges.

 

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