Year of Values. Professional Military Values, are they Relevant to Today's Society

摘要

This study considers the question of professional military values--the code f standards by which American military leaders have traditionally patterned their professional lives and actions to determine if there is today a need to rethink and update the code that has prevailed and served American soldiers so well since the Revolution. It is possible that the set of values which has inspired and motivated military officers for over 200 years has gradually become diminished in urgency, currency, and relevance to today's Army, and in so doing has lost touch with modern military leaders. This study deals in basic terms first with our traditional military value system, examining the reason why it was initially established by our earlier leadership, how it has evolved and how it has inspired and sustained military professionalism over the years. Secondly, the requirements for a rethinking and updating of our values is discussed. Modern societal coditions, as well as modern man himself, make it imperative to broaden our emphasis--maintaining the established code of Duty-Honor-Country, but focusing in on new criteria as well which must be paramount to inspire the type of truly dedicated professionalism essential for success in America's military leader of today.