Assist In Identifying An Ethical Issue Facing The Army

Assist In Identifying An Ethical Issue Facing The Army From A Leader P

Assist in identifying an ethical issue facing the Army from a leader perspective (Alcohol and substance abuse). Describe the root cause of this issue and its impact on the Army. Then offer a recommended solution using the ethical lenses. The assignment must address the root cause, the impact on the Army, and demonstrate how you derived your solution (recommendation) using all three of the ethical lenses (Principles, Consequences, and Virtues).

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical issue facing the Army from a leadership perspective concerning alcohol and substance abuse is a multifaceted challenge that threatens the integrity, discipline, and overall effectiveness of military operations. This issue is rooted in multiple factors, including stress, culture, and perceived norms within the military environment. In this paper, I will analyze the root causes of alcohol and substance abuse among Army personnel, explore its impacts on the organization, and propose a well-reasoned solution applying the three ethical lenses: Principles, Consequences, and Virtues.

Root Causes of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in the Army

The primary root causes of substance abuse among Army personnel are complex and interconnected. The high-stress environment of military service, often coupled with a culture that sometimes tacitly condones heavy drinking as a form of camaraderie, creates an environment conducive to substance misuse. Military personnel may turn to alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism to deal with operational stress, injuries, PTSD, or personal issues. Additionally, the available social norms and peer pressure within units may normalize excessive drinking, making it a routine part of military life.

Furthermore, a lack of adequate mental health support and stigma associated with seeking help exacerbate the problem. Many soldiers fear that admitting to substance dependency or mental health issues could jeopardize their careers, pushing them further toward concealed substance abuse. Leadership inconsistencies and insufficient policies for prevention and intervention also contribute to the perpetuation of the issue. The combination of these root causes perpetuates a cycle where alcohol and substance abuse continue to pose significant challenges to the ethical integrity and operational readiness of the Army.

Impact of Substance Abuse on the Army

The repercussions of alcohol and substance abuse are far-reaching within the military context. At the individual level, soldiers struggling with substance dependence are more prone to disciplinary problems, decreased physical and mental health, and poor judgment, which can compromise personal safety and unit cohesion. The degradation of discipline and judgment can lead to higher incidences of misconduct, insubordination, and even criminal acts such as DUIs or violence.

From an organizational standpoint, substance abuse undermines the core values of integrity, service, and excellence that the Army strives to uphold. It can impair operational effectiveness, especially during critical missions where sound decision-making is paramount. Additionally, legal and medical costs associated with substance abuse strain resources and damage the Army’s reputation among the public and within the military community. The undermining of ethical standards and morale can swiftly erode trust and cohesion within units, thereby weakening overall military capability.

Recommended Solutions Using Ethical Lenses

Principles-Based Approach

Using the principles ethical lens focuses on adherence to moral duties and universal standards. The Army leadership has an obligation to uphold integrity, honesty, and respect for human dignity by implementing comprehensive prevention programs, promoting a culture of wellness, and ensuring confidentiality and support for personnel seeking help. Establishing clear policies that condemn substance abuse while providing ethical guidance on treatment and rehabilitation reflects a commitment to moral principles of justice and care.

Consequences-Based Approach

Analyzing the consequences emphasizes the broader impact of these policies on the Army’s operational readiness and personnel well-being. Effective intervention strategies—such as mandatory counseling, peer support programs, and early detection—can reduce incidents of substance misuse, thus enhancing overall readiness. The consequence of investing in education and mental health resources is a healthier, more resilient force capable of executing missions effectively. Preventive measures and treatment programs will minimize negative consequences such as accidents, misconduct, and attrition, which compromise the Army’s combat readiness.

Virtues-Based Approach

The virtues ethical lens promotes fostering character traits that exemplify moral excellence, such as integrity, self-control, and compassion. Leadership must serve as role models by demonstrating ethical conduct, encouraging honesty, and emphasizing duty and responsibility. Cultivating a culture of virtue involves training commanders and soldiers to embody these traits, and recognizing positive behaviors that align with Army values. Reinforcing virtues helps create a resilient community where ethical behavior is celebrated and substance abuse is actively discouraged.

Integrated Recommendation

By integrating these three ethical perspectives, a comprehensive strategy can be formulated. First, the Army should strengthen its prevention programs grounded in principles of respect for human dignity and justice. Policies should promote confidentiality and provide accessible mental health services, underscoring a moral duty to support soldiers' well-being. Second, the implementation of consequences—such as fair disciplinary measures for misconduct, and positive reinforcement for those seeking help—can foster accountability and motivate ethical behavior. Lastly, cultivating virtues within the command structure and the broader force promotes a culture where integrity and self-control are valued and celebrated.

This integrated approach ensures that the root causes of substance abuse are addressed ethically and effectively, minimizing adverse impacts on the Army's operational effectiveness, morale, and ethical credibility. It also aligns with the Army’s core values and moral obligations to its personnel while fostering an environment conducive to ethical decision-making and behavior. Successful implementation depends on consistent leadership, comprehensive support systems, and ongoing education about the importance of integrity and self-control within the military community.

Conclusion

Alcohol and substance abuse remain a significant ethical challenge for the Army, rooted in stress, cultural norms, and insufficient mental health support. Its impact on individual soldiers and overall unit cohesion jeopardizes the Army’s mission readiness and ethical standards. Addressing this issue requires an ethically grounded solution that considers principles, consequences, and virtues. By fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and resilience through comprehensive policies, appropriate consequences, and character development, the Army can effectively mitigate this problem and uphold its core values of integrity, service, and excellence.

References

  • Burns, K. A. (2019). Substance abuse in the military: Ethical considerations and interventions. Journal of Military Ethics, 18(2), 123-135.
  • Hoge, C. W., et al. (2004). Combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, mental health problems, and barriers to care. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(1), 13-22.
  • Harms, P. D., et al. (2018). Military culture and substance abuse: Addressing the challenge. Military Psychology, 30(4), 250-262.
  • Department of the Army. (2014). Army Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program. DA Pam 600-85.
  • Schönrock, A., & Loughran, T. (2020). Ethical leadership and mental health among soldiers. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 27(3), 347-358.
  • Sutton, J. P., & Strawser, B. J. (2021). Ethical dilemmas in military leadership: Alcohol use and moral decision making. Journal of Military Ethics, 20(1), 25-40.
  • Zerzan, J. T., et al. (2018). Substance use and military readiness. Military Medicine, 183(11-12), e541-e548.
  • U.S. Department of Defense. (2020). Substance abuse prevention and treatment. DoD Instruction 1010.04.
  • Matthews, M., & King, M. (2017). Building resilience in military personnel: The role of virtues. Journal of Moral Education, 46(2), 129-144.
  • Browning, C. J., & Brewer, N. (2016). Ethical leadership and substance misuse prevention in the military. Ethics & Behavior, 26(1), 1-16.

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