Toner, professor of international relations and military ethics at the Air War College in Alabama, addresses this volume ``to those who hate the things and thoughts of war but accept its necessity when the alternatives are greater evils.'' He argues that military ethics, the study of honorable and shameful conduct in armed forces, is not an oxymoron. He distinguishes between the ethics of military institutions, which are collectives, and the ethics of individuals in the military. The latter begins with training and education that develop character as well as competence. General codes of conduct, he maintains, while important, cannot replace personal ethical choices. Ultimately, concludes Toner, private morality-the ability to distinguish right from wrong and abide the consequences-is fundamental in maintaining the integrity of the profession of arms. In the era of Tailhook and the Iran-Contra scandal, his is a down-to-earth approach to a vexed subject. (Dec.)
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Unites understanding of the military profession with the general field of ethics and discusses honorable and shameful conduct in the armed forces. Defines military ethics, explores the relationship between civilian and military sectors in the US, discusses military training and education, and examines the idea of character and the place of codes of conduct. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Truly valuable
If military ethics are better understood and improved, they can sound a more general moral awakening in America, reminding us all that there are many things worth doing honorably.
Nothing in print provides such a wealth of factual case studies relevant to military ethics.
Lt. Col. Paul Christopher
Toner has packed considerable challenge into this brief volume, a challenge to which all of us who care about the future of this country and its military profession must respond.
The issues are timely and have a clear pubic-policy relevance.
Toner's book serves as both microscope and mirror for those willing to take a penetrating look at the military services and what they mean to individual members and to society.
If military ethics are better understood and improved, they can sound a more general moral awakening in America, reminding us all that there are many things worth doing honorably.
"Toner has packed considerable challenge into this brief volume, a challenge to which all of us who care about the future of this country and its military profession must respond." — Air Power Journal
"Truly valuable" — Choice
"Nothing in print provides such a wealth of factual case studies relevant to military ethics." — Lt. Col. Paul Christopher
"The issues are timely and have a clear pubic-policy relevance." — Naval War College Review
"Toner's book serves as both microscope and mirror for those willing to take a penetrating look at the military services and what they mean to individual members and to society." — Proceedings
"Ultimately, concludes Toner, private morality... is fundamental in maintaining the integrity of the profession of arms. In the era of Tailhook and the Iran-Contra scandal, his is a down-to-earth approach to a vexed subject." — Publishers Weekly
"If military ethics are better understood and improved, they can sound a more general moral awakening in America, reminding us all that there are many things worth doing honorably." — Society
