Military Ethics – Then and Now

MILITARY ETHICS - THEN AND NOW

Here is an article I had written 7 years ago – in the year 2010.

I am posting it once more. 

Dear Reader: Please tell me – is it relevant today...?

MILITARY ETHOS AND VALUE SYSTEM – THEN AND NOW

Ramblings of a Veteran

By

VIKRAM KARVE

MILITARY CODES OF CONDUCT – OUTDATED versus MODERN

Change in inevitable. 

Everything changes with time. 

Even Ethics and Moral Values change with time.

Let us have a look at the changes in Military Ethics and Codes of Conduct. 

Long back – the Military (Army Navy Air Force) had rather Utopian and Idealistic Codes of Conduct – like – for example – a Cadet’s Code of Conduct:

OUTDATED CODE OF CONDUCT (Utopian and Idealistic)

A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do 

MODERN CODE OF CONDUCT (Practical and Materialistic) 

A cadet may lie, cheat, steal – but he will not get caught doing so

If a cadet sees others lying, cheating or stealing – he will turn a blind eye since it is none of his business

It is this Modern Cadet’s Code of Conduct that produces “smart” officers.

THE NEW AGE “SMART” MILITARY OFFICER

In today’s world – a simple person who is sincere, honest and hardworking and obeys rules is dubbed as a “stupid nincompoop”.

On the other hand – a person who achieves “success” – even if he does unethical things – takes short-cuts – or breaks rules/regulations – but – he does not get caught – he is called “SMART”. 

The essence of “modern ethics” is: 

“DO NOT GET CAUGHT...”

Yes – it is the “in thing” to do doing immoral, illegal and unethical things to achieve “success” at any cost – as long as you are “smart” enough not to get caught.

On the other hand – being honest, straightforward and upright is considered foolish and old-fashioned. 

Unfortunately – this seems true in the military as well.

These “modern” flexible moral values – and “new age” military ethos – they seem to have been imbibed by many new age “smart” officers – during training as a cadet – as a junior officer – and later as a senior officer – as is evident from the increasing number of scams and scandals in the defence services being reported by the media.

ETHICS IN UNIFORM – TRADITIONAL MILITARY CODES OF CONDUCT 

A few years ago – while clearing my bookcase – I came across a booklet about various aspects of Naval Life – which we were probably given when I joined the Naval Academy way back in the 1970’s. 

In this booklet there was a quote by John Paul Jones – CODE OF A NAVAL OFFICER. 

These words made a lasting impression on me – and I tried to imbibe and follow the spirit of the code in my career and personal life.

John Paul Jones – often called the Father of the American Navy – helped establish the traditions of courage and professionalism.

He is remembered for his indomitable will – his unwillingness to consider surrender when the slightest hope of victory still burned – and for promoting professional standards and training throughout his naval career.

Let us have a look at his Code of Naval Ethics:

CODE OF A NAVAL OFFICER

Written by John Paul Jones

It is by no means enough that an officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner. 

He must be that, of course, but also a great deal more. 

He should be, as well, a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor.

He should not only be able to express himself clearly and with force in his own language both with tongue and pen – but he should be versed in French and Spanish as well.

(“Own language” obviously means English, which is relevant even today as English is the universal language of officers and the reference to French and Spanish probably pertains to languages of the crew of those days and in today’s context may refer to the languages or mother tongues of ship crew).

He should be the soul of tact, patience, justice, firmness, and charity.

No meritorious act of a subordinate should escape his attention or be left to pass without its reward – even if the reward is only a word of approval.

Conversely – he should not be blind to a single fault in any subordinate – though at the same time – he should be quick and unfailing to distinguish error from malice, thoughtlessness from incompetence, and well-meant shortcoming from heedless or stupid blunder.

As he should be universal and impartial in his rewards and approval of merit – so he should be judicial and unbending in his punishment or reproof of misconduct.

In one word – every commander should keep constantly before him this great truth – that to be well obeyed – he must be perfectly esteemed.

United States Military Codes of Conduct

Compare the Code of a Naval Officer with the United States Military Academy West Point Cadet Honor Code which simply states:

A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do

Both the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy have adopted this Cadet Honor Code as a formalized statement of the “minimum standard of ethics” expected of cadets.

In contrast – the United States Naval Academy Annapolis has a related standard – known as the Honor Concept. 

Unlike the honor codes in other service academies – the “Honor Concept” allows a midshipman to confront someone committing an honor violation without formally reporting it. 

At the other military academies – failure to formally report an honor violation is construed as tolerating it – which is itself a violation of the code. 

At the US Naval Academy – the penalties for violating the “Honor Concept” can be severe – including expulsion from the Academy. 

United States Naval Academy Honor Concept

Midshipmen are persons of integrity: We stand for that which is right.

We tell the truth and ensure that the full truth is known. We do not lie.

We embrace fairness in all actions. We ensure that work submitted as their own is their own, and that assistance received from any source is authorized and properly documented. We do not cheat.

We respect the property of others and ensure that others are able to benefit from the use of their own property. We do not steal.

CODES OF CONDUCT IN INDIAN ARMED FORCES

SERVICE BEFORE SELF – or – SELF BEFORE SERVICE...?

In India we have the Motto of the National Defence Academy (NDA) Pune:

Service Before Self

and the Chetwode Credo of the the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun:

The safety, honour and welfare of your country comes first, always and every time.
The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next.
Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time.

If you are a “fauji” – do tell us whether military officers do indeed follow these codes of conduct.

Or – has Military Ethics turned topsy-turvy – and the modern mottos/credos in vogue – in the military officer of today are:

“Self Before Service” 

and 

“My own ease, comfort and safety come first, always and every time”

DO WE NEED AN ETHICAL AND MORAL MILITARY ETHOS AND VALUE SYSTEM...?

I feel that every organisation and institution, civilian and military, needs a “code of ethics” or a “code of conduct”. 

The “code of ethics” must be stated briefly in simple language – the code of conduct easily understood, realistic, practical and implementable.

Do you agree...?

Or – do feel that concepts like Ethics, Morals, Values and Codes of Conduct are outdated and irrelevant in today’s liberalised environment – where it is prudent to be “ethical chameleon” – and “moral flexibility” is the key to career success...?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. These are my personal views based on my observations. The reality may be different. This is just food for thought and should be taken in the right positive spirit with a view to improvement. 

2. This post is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

3. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

Revised Version of Article Written by me Vikram Karve in the year 2010 and First Posted by me Vikram Karve in this blog on 02 Jan 2011 at 1/02/2011 12:53:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/01/code-of-naval-officer.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/10/code-of-naval-officer-military-codes-of.html  and  https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/03/code-of-conduct-outdated-versus-modern.html  and https://karve.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/code-of-conduct-and-ethics-an-article-from-academic-and-creative-writing-journal-vikram-karve/  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/01/what-is-ethics-part-2-codes-of-conduct.html  and https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/12/military-ethics-and-code-of-conduct.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/07/ethics-in-uniform-new-age-smart.html  etc

Misplaced Loyalty – The “Keep it in the Family” Syndrome – Is it Moral or a Case of Pseudo-Ethics...?

I have just finished watching the movie RUSTOM on Zee TV 

Seeing the film for the second time reminded me of a blog post I had written after I had seen the movie “Rustom” when it was released in August 2016. 

Here is the article...

MISPLACED LOYALTY

“Keep it in the Family” Syndrome

A Garb for Pseudo-Ethics

Musings of a Navy Veteran

By

VIKRAM KARVE

RUSTOM

Recently – I saw the movie RUSTOM

The film is based on the famous 1959 Nanavati Case 

(Commander K. M. Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra)

I am sure you are aware of this landmark murder case in which Commander Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati – a Navy Commander – was tried for the murder of Prem Ahuja – his wife’s lover. 

NANAVATI CASE 

As per information on the Nanavati Case on the Internet – it appears that – Commander Nanavati fired 3 shots at his wife’s lover who dropped dead – and then – Commander Nanavati headed straight to confess to the Provost Marshal of the Western Naval Command – and – on his advice – Nanavati surrendered himself to the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

The murder case received unprecedented media coverage and inspired several books and movies.

Commander Nanavati – accused under section 302 – was initially declared “Not Guilty” by a Jury under section 302 – but – the verdict was dismissed by the Bombay High Court – and – the case was re-tried as a bench trial.

The High Court sentenced Nanavati to life imprisonment for culpable homicide amounting to murder – and subsequently – the Supreme Court of India upheld the conviction.

Nanavati was granted pardon after spending 3 years in prison – and – after his release – Nanavati – his wife Sylvia – and – their 3 children – all migrated to Canada – and – settled in Toronto.

Nanavati died in 2003.

The Nanavati case was the last to be heard as a Jury Trial in India – as the government abolished jury trials after this landmark case.

RUSTOM (Movie) – Twist in the Tail

The movie ending is different – with a “Twist in the Tail”.

The protagonist Commander Rustom Pavri walks free after the jury declares him “not guilty”. 

On the eve of the judgement – while talking to the Investigating Officer (Police Inspector Lobo) – Commander Rustom Pavri justifies killing his wife’s lover (Vikram Makhija)

Rustom says that the real reason he shot dead his wife’s lover (Vikram Makhija) was to prevent India Navy from acquiring a “sub-standard” Aircraft Carrier which would have compromised national security.

Vikram Makhija was an “Arms Agent” – and – he had entered into a conspiracy with “Bigwigs” (including high ranking Naval Officers and Bureaucrats) – to siphon off money by importing a “sub-standard” warship.

Rustom is deputed abroad to a foreign country to inspect the ship – and – he discovers the “scam”.

He is shocked to learn that his friend Vikram Makhija is the main conspirator and his own senior officers are involved neck-deep in the scam. 

The corrupt “scamsters” try to “persuade” Rustom to give a “favourable” report to accept the “sub-standard” ship.

The corrupt “scamsters” try to bribe Rustom – and – later they threaten him – but – Rustom – who is a patriotic and honest officer – refuses to compromise his integrity.

On his return to India – Rustom he telephonically informs the Defence Secretary about the scam – and – Rustom tells him that he will not spare the main conspirator Vikram Makhija (who – Rustom has coincidentally learnt is having an affair with his wife Sylvia).

(It later transpires that the Defence Secretary is also involved in the scam). 

Rustom proceeds to Vikram Makhija’s house and puts three bullets into his chest.

Vikram Makhija drops dead.

Everyone (including the investigating officer Inspector Lobo) thinks that Rustom killed Makhija because he caught him having an affair with his wife.

However – at the end of the movie – while talking to Inspector Lobo – Rustom reveals that real reason why he killed Vikram Makhija.

Rustom says the he killed Vikram Makhija since he was the key conspirator in the shady deal to import the sub-standard aircraft carrier warship.

Thereby – he managed foil the shady deal and prevented the import of a sub-standard warship whose acquisition would have compromised national security.

Inspector Lobo asks Commander Rustom Pavri: “What about the other conspirators like the Senior Navy Officers, Defence Secretary etc…? Why didn’t you expose them and ensure that they got punished…?”

Rustom says: “If I had exposed them – the “image” of the Navy and Government would have got tarnished – so – I did not expose those persons in “high places” to protect the reputation of the nation…”

Does the movie want to give a “message” that it is okay to condone high-level corruption in shady Defence deals – on the specious logic that – exposing high-ranking perpetrators will tarnish the “good image” of the Armed Forces, spoil the reputation of the Defence Establishment and embarrass the Government…?

In the Movie – Rustom displays “Misplaced Patriotism” by his misguided belief – that – he is defending the honour of the Navy and the Nation – by concealing the extent of the scam and withholding the names corrupt senior officers – due to which high-ranking perpetrators of the scam escape punishment and get away scot-free.

Hence – the “moral message” is that – for the “greater good” – it is justified to let wrongdoers get away scot-free just to protect the reputation of the organization.

Bizarre logic – isn’t it…?

Or maybe – it is not so bizarre.

Don’t we see such cases of “misplaced loyalty” in real life…?

This phenomenon is visible at work – at the organizational level – and – in personal life – at the familial level.

MISPLACED LOYALTY (The “Keep it in the Family” Syndrome)

Misplaced loyalty makes you remain silent when you know you should speak up – at work – and – in personal life – especially when it comes to personal friendships and close family relationships.

We see this phenomenon of “misplaced loyalty” in organizations – in the military (under the garb of “izzat”) – and – in “civvy street” too – in civilian bureaucracy – in business houses and the corporate sector – and – of course – in political parties.

Engaging in misplaced loyalty in professional life entails complying with a “code of silence” about the internal affairs of your organization.

In the Military – “Regimental Loyalties” (keep it within the unit) – and “Ship Loyalties” (keep it within the ship) – are examples of such misplaced organizational loyalties.

At the family/personal level – incidents of Incest, Sexual Abuse, Inappropriate Behaviour, Adultery, Pedophilia and Domestic Violence that happen within a “family” – these incidents may be “hushed up” to avoid “washing dirty linen in public” – because of the fallacious fear –  that exposing the wrongdoers may bring a “bad name” to the family and tarnish the reputation of the entire family.

I call it the “keep it in the family” syndrome. 

The term “family” is used literally to mean personal family comprising relatives – as well as metaphorically – to refer to organizations (workplace “family”).

“Misplaced Loyalty” due to the “Keep it in the Family” syndrome sometimes makes you condone unethical acts of individuals/organizations who you feel are a “part of the family” and towards whom you feel a sense of “loyalty”.

“Misplaced Loyalty” attitudes of – “Keep it in the Family” – “Don’t Wash Dirty Linen in Public” – result in a “pseudo-ethical” tendency to “brush misdemeanors under the carpet” and “hush up” wrongdoings – due to which culprits get away scot-free.

Owing to these “Misplaced Loyalty” Mindsets in Organizations – Frauds and Scams are “hushed-up” – Corruption and Wrongdoings are not exposed – and – Scandals are swept under the carpet.

In some cases – even heinous crimes are “hushed up” – due to the propensity to “cover up” criminal activities due to the “Keep it in the Family” Syndrome.

Both at the macro-level and micro-level – in organizational environments – and – in family settings – “misplaced loyalty” due to the “keep it in family” syndrome may have deleterious consequences.

The ramification of this “misplaced loyalty” due to the “keep it in family” syndrome is that wrongdoers get emboldened to commit misdemeanors even more brazenly with disastrous consequences.

The widespread corruption, various scams/scandals and proliferation of crime bear testimony to this fact.

Due to the “keep it in the family” mindset – in workplaces and in family settings – if sexual perverts who indulge in “inappropriate behavior” are allowed to get away “scot-free” – they may get emboldened to commit worse misdemeanors like sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape etc.

“Misplaced Loyalty” is dangerous – for the “family” – and for society at large.

Even if it means “embarrassment” to the “family” – isn’t it better to “name and shame” wrongdoers and punish these malefactors at the very first instance…?

Exposing transgressors in the very first instance will help “nip things in the bud” – and – will deter these wrongdoers from committing graver misdemeanors – which may prove to be even more detrimental to the family/organization.

During my long career in the Navy – I did come across a few instances of attempts to “cover up” misconduct due to the “keep it in the family” syndrome (“Misplaced Loyalty” arising from “fear of reputation damage” – or – due to adherence to so-called pseudo “honour codes” prevalent in military training academies and in some regiments/units) 

But – by and large – instances of misconduct were duly reported and the offenders were punished.

CONCLUSION

Coming back to the movie RUSTOM – it is one thing for a Naval Officer to commit an “Honour Killing” by shooting his wife’s illicit lover.

But – it is quite another thing for a Naval Officer to kill a Civilian Businessman who is a conspirator in a defence scam – while at the same time “protecting” high-ranking Navy Officers and Civilian Bureaucrats involved in the same scam – and justifying the “hush up” – on the bizarre logic – that exposing these high-ranking officers will tarnish the image of the Navy and the Nation.

I wish the movie had stuck to the original story – and – not twisted the story by a hotchpotch sub-plot about corruption in defence deals – and – ended up with the protagonist Commander Rustom Pavri justifying his “Misplaced Patriotism” – due to which – he does not expose corruption in the shady defence deal – on the specious logic – that “naming and shaming” corrupt high-ranking officers involved in the scam – would “tarnish the image” of the Navy (and Nation)

So – the protagonist (Commander Rustom Pavri) thereby allows the conspirators to get away scot-free and escape punishment for their misconduct. 

Dear Reader – Don’t you see examples of “Misplaced Loyalty” and “Keep it in the Family” Syndrome around you – where – instead of being punished – wrongdoers and culprits are allowed to escape punishment and get away scot-free – at both – the “macro level” – in politics, in bureaucracy, in the military, in corporates, in academia – and also at the “micro level” – in your workplace and among your family and friends...?

I feel that Misplaced Loyalty (due to the “keep it in the family” syndrome) is a garb for pseudo-ethics – and this proves detrimental to the greater good in the long run. 

Dear Reader – Do you agree...?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

This is a revised re-post of my blog post “Keep it in the Family” Syndrome first posted online by me Vikram Karve on Monday, August 22, 2016 in my blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/keep-it-in-family-syndrome-misplaced.html