Go Slow to Go Fast in Ethical Matters

摘要

The number of Defense Department personnel convicted of acquisition-related offenses should amaze us considering the volume of ethics education we as professionals receive. These violations are even more remarkable considering the prison sentences awaiting us if we are caught, not to mention the lasting negative effects they have on those who are influenced by the unethical behavior. Nevertheless, ethical violations happen time and again. In 2003,1 recall, as an Air Force active duty member, returning from a deployment to Iraq when I heard about former Air Force official and Boeing executive Darleen Druyun's indictment for violating federal conflict of interest laws. It sent shockwaves through the Air Force as confidence in leadership was questioned and other high-level leaders left their positions as a result of their relationships with her. It was a blow to procurement integrity that made many of us sensitive to ethical responsibilities and caused quicker questioning and higher skepticism of leadership intentions. In just the past few months a Department of Veterans Affairs official, Dwane Nevins, was sentenced to 18 months in a federal prison for a bribery scheme to rig VA contracts. I am sure his conviction has also caused negative impressions among the VA workforce and the veterans they serve.