Morality in combat.

Abstract

The factors that contribute to a military officer's moral and ethical decisions in combat are investigated with a qualitative study of interviews conducted with thirteen veterans. Theories of moral reasoning are discussed from philosophical and psychological standpoints and are then applied to the interview format. Data are then analyzed for patterns and these patterns are linked with those drawn from military and psychological literature. Three patterns demonstrate an officer's need for control over his environment, the responsibility he feels towards his men, and how the officer must live with his decisions post hoc.