Title: SFC Sharp and the Secret Papers
In resolving the ethical problem shown in the case study, you are to develop possible courses of action and the solution that best represents Army values. Keep in mind, however, that there may be several correct solutions to the problem. Arriving at a different solution does not necessarily mean that your solution is wrong.
1. Define the problem.
a. What is the problem?
-The basic problem is the pressure you have to be dishonest and not report the breach of security.
b. Identify the ethical questions.
-Should I report the incident immediately?
-What is my duty?
-Is my loyalty owed to SFC Sharp or the unit?
-How should I proceed?
2. Know the rules:
-Identify applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and professional obligations.
-You must thoroughly understand the situation and feel confident about your decision. 3. Develop and evaluate courses of action:
a. Do nothing as SSG Day suggests.
b. Inform the chain of command before SFC Sharp leaves.
c. Inform the chain of command after SFC Sharp leaves.
d. Go to SFC Sharp before he leaves and ask him how he would like to handle this problem. 4. Choose the course that best represents Army values.
a. Doing nothing may violate your integrity.
b. Going to the chain of command without approaching SFC Sharp shows disloyalty toward him.
c. Informing the chain of command after SFC Sharp leaves may indicate your lack of personal courage and demonstrates disloyalty to SFC Sharp since he is not there to provide his side of the story.
d. By approaching SFC Sharp first, you give him the benefit of the doubt and attempt to resolve the problem at the lowest level, and you are also able to adhere to the values and guiding principles you have decided are important to this situation. Even if
SFC Sharp refuses to do anything, you have adhered to the values and guiding