1. Ethics
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1

2. Motivation Ethics are rules of conduct. Today, you'll learn about
Making ethical decisions
The U.S. Air Force’s core values
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

3. What is ethics? Ethics Branch of philosophy Rules of conduct
Study of people’s most basic beliefs
Ethics deals with the struggle between good and evil.
Conduct—a key word when discussing ethics
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

4. What is ethics? (cont’d)
Four basic rules of ethics have endured.
Do good; avoid evil.
Be fair and equitable.
Respect the dignity of all people.
Be autonomous (self-governing).
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

5. What is ethics? (cont’d)
Guidelines derived from the four basic rules of ethics
Be honest.
Keep promises.
Obey and be loyal to proper authorities.
Be courageous.
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

6. What is ethics? (cont’d)
Habits
Most of our moral beliefs are based on habits we learned as children.
Habits can affect reputation, social status, finances, and overall sense of well-being.
Where do our beliefs come from? -- Parents, Society, Experience
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

7. What is ethics? (cont’d)
Not all habits are right.
Habits are right when they are ways of helping ourselves and others.
Good habits help us develop our best potential and respect people’s basic rights.
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

8. What is a value system? Value system
Set of ideals, beliefs, interests, likes, dislikes
Ideals we use every day to make decisions
Involves freely chosen behavior
Involves beliefs that are very personal to each of us
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

9. What is a value system? Our military has its own set of values.
Applies to all members of the Air Force family
The core values of the U.S. Air Force are Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

10. What is a value system? (cont’d)
Integrity First
Willingness to do right even when no one is looking
Moral compass, inner voice of self-control
Basis for the trust needed in today’s military
Service before Self
Professional duties over personal desires
Excellence in All We Do
Passion for continuous improvement and innovation
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics

11. How are ethical decisions made?
Systematic process for making tough decisions
Consider all the facts.
Determine the moral values or obligations at stake.
Act or make decisions in light of your knowledge of the values and facts.
Be respectful of the life and well-being of all people.
Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC
Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics