NE 203: Ethics & Moral Reasoning for Naval Leaders
2 AM Courage & My Lai
Napoleon once insisted: “As for moral courage, it is very rare to find that kind found at 2 o'clock in the morning; that is to say, courage in the face of the unexpected.” There are many things that we can steel our spines to prepare to face in the anticipation of battle. But there is much else that will be encountered that is unexpected, that cannot be prepared for in specific ways. At the core of Napoleon's sentiment is a reference to that kind of courage that has to be spontaneous, the kind required at unexpected moments. It's in such moments that the true measure of your virtue will be taken. Who are you when you have to make up your mind in an instant in the midst of the confusion, danger, and horrors around you?
WATCH THIS (Optional)
Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson, who with his flight crew intervened in the My Lai massacre, discusses what happened that day.
Thirty years later, he went back:
Think about these questions:
- Contrast courage and heroism in the profession of arms
- What virtues are required for each?
- Which is harder? Why?
- How are acts of heroism considered as necessary by the actor, even if most other observers would consider their actions above and beyond the call of duty?
- About those who served on Iwo Jima, Navy Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz said, "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- How can a group of brave souls encourage one another to even greater bravery?
- How, as an officer, can you be a catalyst in creating a "band of brothers (and sisters!)" that can push one another toward virtuous service?
- About those who served on Iwo Jima, Navy Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz said, "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
- If Hugh Thompson were following the Moral Deliberation Roadmap, how do you think he would justify his actions
- Where might he have found tension points?
