1. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND GOVERNMENT ETHICS

2. INTRODUCTION Military Service is a Public Trust Department of Defense
Joint Ethics Regulation

3. THE NEED FOR RULES
Ensure fair treatment for those dealing with the government
Prevent military personnel from abusing their power
Have a single standard of behavior for all military personnel

4. MAJOR AREAS OF ETHICS RULES
Contracting
Gifts from Outside Sources
Gifts Between Employees
Conflicting Financial Interests
Misuse of Position
Outside Activities

5. MAJOR AREAS OF ETHICS RULES
Gambling
Travel Benefits
Political Activities
Seeking Future Employment
Charity Fundraising

6. CONTRACTING Contracting with outside sources
Taking precautions to ensure proper conduct / process
Proper grounds for award
Award based on merit

7. GIFTS FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES
General rule
Purpose
“Gift”
Not a gift
Exceptions

8. GIFTS BETWEEN EMPLOYEES
General rules / prohibition
No gift to senior
No accepting from subordinate
Rationale
Exceptions
Personal relationship
Food/refreshments
Hospitality
Special infrequent occasion

9. CONFLICTING FINANCIAL INTERESTS
Member (and family) business prohibition
Federal employee acting in matters that present appearance of impropriety

10. MISUSE OF POSITION No use for private gain Endorsement
Use of government information
Use of government property
Use of subordinates
Official position / influence

11. OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
Off-duty employment
Outside compensation

12. GAMBLING Generally prohibited on government property
Gambling with subordinates:
appearance of impropriety
impacts proper relationships

13. TRAVEL / BENIFITS Retention of promotional items Flying in uniform
Flying 1st Class

14. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES Service Members May: Service Members May Not:
vote
express personal opinions
write letters to newspapers
contribute money to campaigns
Service Members May Not:
use authority to influence elections
solicit contributions from service members & employees
use contemptuous words against office holders

15. SEEKING FUTURE EMPLOYMENT
Procurement activities
Appearance of unfair use of prior government service

16. CHARITY FUNDRAISING
No solicitation from subordinates or from prohibited sources
No preferential treatment by command to an organization
Commercial interests limitations

17. SANCTIONS Violations of Standards of Conduct administrative options
civilian criminal court
military courts-martial

18. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT COUNSELOR
Qualified Legal Advisor (designated in writing)
Provides Advance Advise to Personnel
Provides Advice to Command/Agency
“Safe Harbor” Protection for Personnel

19. CONCLUSION Standards of Conduct govern official activities
Goals are to:
prevent abuse of position & power
maintain government integrity
ensure fair treatment and morale
prevent unjust enrichment