Relational ethics are moral principles that guide human interactions in various social situations. They dictate how people should act towards each other based on respect, justice, compassion, fairness, kindness, honesty, and reciprocity. In the military environment, these values may be challenged due to the complexity and unpredictability of warfare. Soldiers must make decisions that could have life-threatening consequences while following orders from superiors who may put them in morally ambiguous situations. This paper explores the ways soldiers maintain relational ethics in operational contexts that challenge their moral code. It looks into examples from history and current conflicts where soldiers faced difficult choices between obeying orders and upholding their values. The article also examines practical strategies for preserving integrity in battlefield operations.
Soldiers' ethical dilemmas arise when they confront situations that require them to compromise their beliefs or take actions that contradict their moral beliefs.
In World War II, some American soldiers were forced to commit war crimes against civilians during the Nuremberg trials after German occupation.
They refused to participate and maintained their integrity despite being sentenced to death by a court martial. Similarly, British soldiers in Afghanistan had to decide whether to follow orders to kill innocent civilians as part of interrogation tactics or disobey commands and risk disciplinary action. These cases show that soldiers can resist pressure to break relational ethics even in extreme circumstances.
To preserve relational ethics in warfare, soldiers need to develop personal principles that guide their conduct. They should consider all stakeholders involved in conflict, including themselves, their comrades, the enemy, and non-combatants. They must also cultivate emotional resilience to cope with traumatic experiences and stressors associated with combat. Emotional intelligence helps them recognize how others feel, empathize with them, and respond appropriately. Soldiers can also train for various scenarios that could test their ethical standards and prepare to handle them effectively.
Leaders must create an environment that encourages open communication, supports diversity, and rewards honest reporting of wrongdoings. By promoting relational ethics, soldiers can maintain personal integrity while fulfilling their duties on the battlefield.
How do soldiers maintain relational ethics in morally ambiguous operational contexts?
Soldiers often have to make difficult decisions in situations where they may not be aware of all the details or outcomes of their actions. In these cases, it is important for them to rely on their moral compass and follow ethical guidelines that are appropriate for their role as a member of the military.