What does "ethical decision-making" involve in military leadership?

Ethical decision-making in military leadership fundamentally revolves around aligning choices with moral principles and the Air Force Core Values. This approach ensures that leaders not only consider the implications of their decisions on mission success but also uphold integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do. These core values serve as a foundation for creating a trustworthy and honorable military environment, guiding leaders to make choices that reflect a commitment to ethical standards and accountability.

By focusing on moral principles, military leaders aim to foster an ethical culture that preserves the dignity of individuals and the reputation of the organization. This alignment strengthens trust among subordinates and superiors, essential for effective teamwork and mission effectiveness. In contrast to purely quantitative analysis, reliance on intuition, or maximizing efficiency without ethical considerations, ethical decision-making prioritizes principles that support not only operational readiness but also the overall mission integrity of the Air Force.