ETHICS TRAININGETHICS TRAINING20082008

CW2 R. MANDELLCW2 R. MANDELL

302302ndnd QM Company QM Company

Discussion TopicsDiscussion Topics

Why are you here?Why are you here? Code of Ethics – 14 PrinciplesCode of Ethics – 14 Principles Use of Government VehicleUse of Government Vehicle Use of Communications EquipmentUse of Communications Equipment Use of Government PropertyUse of Government Property GiftsGifts Personal and Official Participation in Private Personal and Official Participation in Private

OrganizationsOrganizations Obligating the ArmyObligating the Army

The goal of this class is not to make you The goal of this class is not to make you an expert in every ethics regulation an expert in every ethics regulation and directive. Rather, the goal here is and directive. Rather, the goal here is to make you to make you familiarfamiliar with ethics with ethics issues so that when you come across issues so that when you come across an ethics dilemma or question, you’ll an ethics dilemma or question, you’ll be able to recognize the problem and be able to recognize the problem and apply the basic principles we’ll cover apply the basic principles we’ll cover to “do the right thing.”to “do the right thing.”

OVERVIEW

Applicable Law and RegulationsApplicable Law and RegulationsAll federal employees should also be familiar All federal employees should also be familiar

with other statutory and regulatory with other statutory and regulatory prohibitions:prohibitions:

Code of Ethics – 14 PrinciplesCode of Ethics – 14 Principles

Standards of Ethical Conduct for Executive Standards of Ethical Conduct for Executive Branch Employees 5 C.F.R. Part 2635Branch Employees 5 C.F.R. Part 2635

The Joint Ethics Regulation (JER), DoD The Joint Ethics Regulation (JER), DoD 5500.7-R.5500.7-R.

18 United States Code Sections 203, 207, 18 United States Code Sections 203, 207, 208.208.

14 Principles of Ethical Conduct14 Principles of Ethical Conduct1.1. Public service = Public TrustPublic service = Public Trust2.2. No financial interests conflicting w/duty No financial interests conflicting w/duty

performanceperformance3.3. No improper use of nonpublic No improper use of nonpublic

informationinformation4.4. No gifts from prohibited sourcesNo gifts from prohibited sources5.5. Honest effort in performance of dutiesHonest effort in performance of duties6.6. No knowing unauthorized commitmentsNo knowing unauthorized commitments7.7. No using public office for private gainNo using public office for private gain

14 Principles of Ethical Conduct14 Principles of Ethical Conduct8.8. Be impartial/no preferential treatment to Be impartial/no preferential treatment to

private organizations/individualsprivate organizations/individuals9.9. Protect/conserve federal property; Protect/conserve federal property;

authorized purposes onlyauthorized purposes only10.10. No outside employment conflicting No outside employment conflicting

w/dutiesw/duties11.11. Duty to disclose fraud, waste, abuse, and Duty to disclose fraud, waste, abuse, and

corruptioncorruption12.12. Satisfy financial obligations in good faithSatisfy financial obligations in good faith13.13. Uphold EO laws/regulationsUphold EO laws/regulations14.14. Avoid appearances of unethical conductAvoid appearances of unethical conduct

Use of Gov’t vehicles (GOVs)Use of Gov’t vehicles (GOVs)

GOVs can only be used for official GOVs can only be used for official businessbusiness

Never take a GOV home with you (even Never take a GOV home with you (even if it would make sense or save time!)if it would make sense or save time!) This is a strict ruleThis is a strict rule Taking a GOV home requires HQDA approvalTaking a GOV home requires HQDA approval Even if leaving on TDY the next day, Even if leaving on TDY the next day, you you

can’t take the GOV home!can’t take the GOV home!

GOVs (con’t)GOVs (con’t)

You can’t take a GOV to lunchYou can’t take a GOV to lunch.. Exception to this policy requires your Exception to this policy requires your

commander’s (not just your supervisor’s) commander’s (not just your supervisor’s) approval.approval.

If your official duties require you to be If your official duties require you to be farfar awayaway from your POV (i.e., you’re in from your POV (i.e., you’re in Raleigh) during the lunch hour, then you Raleigh) during the lunch hour, then you may stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant may stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant (not a bar, though!)(not a bar, though!)

Again, Again, requires commander’s approvalrequires commander’s approval!!

Vehicle use during TDYVehicle use during TDY

If you are on TDY, you may use a If you are on TDY, you may use a GOVGOV for for official use only official use only (driving to (driving to class, going to eat, barber, drug class, going to eat, barber, drug store, etc.). Excursions to store, etc.). Excursions to entertainment attractions (movies, entertainment attractions (movies, tourist attractions, general shopping) tourist attractions, general shopping) are are notnot authorized. authorized.

Vehicle use during TDYVehicle use during TDY

You may use a You may use a rental carrental car for for anything. However, you must pay anything. However, you must pay the rental company for the additional the rental company for the additional costs of the entertainment trips (i.e., costs of the entertainment trips (i.e., mileage to tourist attraction, etc.)mileage to tourist attraction, etc.)

You may use your You may use your privately-owned-privately-owned-vehiclevehicle (POV) for absolutely (POV) for absolutely anything.anything.

Perception Perception

The ruleThe rule::

Government employees must not Government employees must not show favoritism toward one show favoritism toward one private entity over another, private entity over another, regardless of the worthiness of regardless of the worthiness of the organizationthe organization..

Use Of Government Use Of Government Communications EquipmentCommunications Equipment

Government Communications Government Communications EquipmentEquipment

TelephonesTelephones Fax MachinesFax Machines ComputersComputers E-mailE-mail InternetInternet Cellular PhonesCellular Phones Blackberries Blackberries

Authorized UseAuthorized Use

Official useOfficial use Authorized PurposesAuthorized Purposes

Official UseOfficial Use

Communications that are necessary in the Communications that are necessary in the interest of Governmentinterest of Government

Emergency communicationsEmergency communications Morale and welfare communications Morale and welfare communications

(extended deployments)(extended deployments)

Authorized PurposesAuthorized Purposes

Personal communications from office:Personal communications from office: Does not adversely affect official dutiesDoes not adversely affect official duties Reasonable duration and frequencyReasonable duration and frequency Legitimate public interestLegitimate public interest Does not reflect adversely on DODDoes not reflect adversely on DOD Does not overburden communications Does not overburden communications

systemsystem Creates no significant additional costCreates no significant additional cost

Brief calls home while TDY (transportation and Brief calls home while TDY (transportation and schedule changes)schedule changes)

Cell PhonesCell Phones

Official UseOfficial Use Limited Authorized Use Permissible under Limited Authorized Use Permissible under

AR 25-1 (15 Jul 05) – AR 25-1 (15 Jul 05) – land line land line “wired” phone must not be available“wired” phone must not be available

Authorized Use:Authorized Use:Cell Phone, E-Mail, InternetCell Phone, E-Mail, Internet

Authorized UseAuthorized Use Does not adversely affect official dutiesDoes not adversely affect official duties Reasonable duration and frequencyReasonable duration and frequency Legitimate public interestLegitimate public interest Does not reflect adversely on DODDoes not reflect adversely on DOD Does not overburden systemDoes not overburden system Creates no significant additional costCreates no significant additional cost

Misuse of Government ComputerMisuse of Government Computer

The Installation Strategic Planning The Installation Strategic Planning Officer at Fort Stewart was relieved of Officer at Fort Stewart was relieved of his duties after it was discovered that he his duties after it was discovered that he had been using his government laptop had been using his government laptop to both view sexually-explicit materials to both view sexually-explicit materials and type up notes for his church. and type up notes for his church.

The officer will have plenty of time The officer will have plenty of time to ponder his actions, as the Merit to ponder his actions, as the Merit Systems Protection Board affirmed his Systems Protection Board affirmed his removal from federal service.removal from federal service.

No No’s!No No’s!

Any use adversely reflecting on the Army Any use adversely reflecting on the Army Pornography or obscene materialPornography or obscene material Copyright infringement (such as the Copyright infringement (such as the

sharing of copyright material by means of sharing of copyright material by means of peer-to-peer software)peer-to-peer software)

GamblingGambling Unofficial advertising, soliciting, or selling Unofficial advertising, soliciting, or selling Chain lettersChain letters Inappropriately handled classified Inappropriately handled classified

informationinformation E-mail for partisan politicsE-mail for partisan politics

Use Of Other Government Use Of Other Government EquipmentEquipment

Use other Federal Use other Federal Government Government equipment and equipment and property only for property only for official purposes official purposes or authorized or authorized purposes as purposes as approved by your approved by your supervisor.supervisor.

Use Of Official TimeUse Of Official Time

Rule:Rule: Use official time in an honest Use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties. effort to perform official duties. Remember: Your time is a Remember: Your time is a Government Resource!Government Resource!

Florida VacationFlorida Vacation

A DoD official was to travel to and attend a A DoD official was to travel to and attend a conference in Florida while on DoD travel conference in Florida while on DoD travel orders. His wife accompanied him. It was orders. His wife accompanied him. It was alleged that after checking in at the hotel alleged that after checking in at the hotel where the conference was to be held and where the conference was to be held and then renting a convertible, the official then renting a convertible, the official promptly left for a short vacation with his promptly left for a short vacation with his wife for all three days of the conference. wife for all three days of the conference. After an investigation it was determined After an investigation it was determined that the official did not attend the that the official did not attend the conference, told a subordinate to “cover for conference, told a subordinate to “cover for him,” and filed a fraudulent travel claim for him,” and filed a fraudulent travel claim for the conference. A proposal was made to the conference. A proposal was made to have him separated from Federal service.have him separated from Federal service.

Use Of PersonnelUse Of Personnel

Rule: Rule: Do not ask Do not ask subordinates to subordinates to perform tasks perform tasks outside their outside their official duties.official duties.

GiftsGifts

Gifts to SuperiorsGifts to Superiors

Soldiers are prohibited from:Soldiers are prohibited from:

Giving gifts to superiors in their chain of Giving gifts to superiors in their chain of commandcommand

Soliciting donations for such giftsSoliciting donations for such gifts Contributing to giftsContributing to gifts

Gifts Between SoldiersGifts Between Soldiers

Soldiers are prohibited from Soldiers are prohibited from accepting gifts from soldiers accepting gifts from soldiers receiving less pay:receiving less pay:

Unless that person is not in the soldier’s Unless that person is not in the soldier’s chain of command andchain of command and

A personal relationship justifies giftA personal relationship justifies gift

The #1 Gift RuleThe #1 Gift Rule

Nothing requires a person to Nothing requires a person to accept a gift – you may accept a gift – you may ALWAYS decline!ALWAYS decline!

Gifts – ExceptionsGifts – Exceptions

Less than or equal Less than or equal to $10 per occasionto $10 per occasion• Birthday GiftBirthday Gift• Vacation SouvenirVacation Souvenir• No CashNo Cash

Refreshments Refreshments shared in the officeshared in the office

Hospitality at a Hospitality at a soldier’s homesoldier’s home

Gifts – Exceptions (cont.)Gifts – Exceptions (cont.)

Special infrequent occasions:Special infrequent occasions: Appropriate to the occasionAppropriate to the occasion Marriage, illness, birth of childMarriage, illness, birth of child Retirement, resignation, transferRetirement, resignation, transfer Promotion (only if leaving the chain of Promotion (only if leaving the chain of

command)command)

Group GiftsGroup Gifts

Special infrequent occasions:Special infrequent occasions:

Value of gift may not exceed $300 Value of gift may not exceed $300 per donating groupper donating group

If the individual contributes to more If the individual contributes to more than one group, the cost of the gifts than one group, the cost of the gifts of the different groups become one of the different groups become one for purposes of $300 limitationfor purposes of $300 limitation

Additional DoD LimitationsAdditional DoD Limitations Contributions must be voluntaryContributions must be voluntary Nominal amountNominal amount

May solicit no more than $10May solicit no more than $10 Individual may donate moreIndividual may donate more

Individual is free to donate an Individual is free to donate an amount less than suggested, or amount less than suggested, or nothing at allnothing at all

Departing GiftDeparting Gift

The CG is leaving.The CG is leaving.

All Brigade Commanders want to All Brigade Commanders want to contribute to a gift that will cost $300.contribute to a gift that will cost $300.

His HQ Staff also wants to contribute to His HQ Staff also wants to contribute to a gift that will cost $300.a gift that will cost $300.

Are both gifts acceptable?Are both gifts acceptable?

AnswerAnswer

Maybe, as long as:Maybe, as long as: No one gives to both requests;No one gives to both requests; The requests for giving are The requests for giving are

voluntary;voluntary; No one is required to give; No one is required to give;

Better answer:Better answer:

Both groups go together on a gift and Both groups go together on a gift and the total does not exceed $300.00.the total does not exceed $300.00.

Gifts from Non-MilitaryGifts from Non-Military

Soldiers may not accept gifts:Soldiers may not accept gifts:

Given because of their official Given because of their official positionposition

Given as a bribe for doing something Given as a bribe for doing something that benefits the giverthat benefits the giver

Given by a DoD Contractor or Given by a DoD Contractor or someone seeking to do business someone seeking to do business with the Governmentwith the Government

Gift – ExceptionsGift – Exceptions

Up to $20Up to $20

Motivated by a close personal Motivated by a close personal relationshiprelationship

Free attendance, food, entertainment Free attendance, food, entertainment (not lodging & travel) provided at an (not lodging & travel) provided at an event at which you are speakingevent at which you are speaking

Not Considered GiftsNot Considered Gifts

Coffee, soft drinks, donuts, hors Coffee, soft drinks, donuts, hors d’oeuvres (not part of a meal)d’oeuvres (not part of a meal)

Donut v. BagelDonut v. Bagel

Not Considered Gifts (cont.)Not Considered Gifts (cont.)

Plaques, certificates and trophies of Plaques, certificates and trophies of little or no value except to the little or no value except to the receiverreceiver

Benefits offered to the public, to all Benefits offered to the public, to all government employees, or to all government employees, or to all military personnelmilitary personnel

Official and Personal Official and Personal Participation in Private Participation in Private

OrganizationsOrganizations

AR 210-22AR 210-22

AR 210-22, Private Organizations on AR 210-22, Private Organizations on Department of the Army Installations Department of the Army Installations Outlines Army policyOutlines Army policy Tells procedures to establish Tells procedures to establish Lists authorized activitiesLists authorized activities Lists prohibited activitiesLists prohibited activities

Consult the JER for authorized supportConsult the JER for authorized support

Official ParticipationOfficial Participationinin

POs or NFEsPOs or NFEs

What is a private entity?What is a private entity?

Any non-Federal organizationAny non-Federal organization For example,For example,

Business (Home Depot, I.B.M., Texaco)Business (Home Depot, I.B.M., Texaco) Organization (Chamber of Commerce, Organization (Chamber of Commerce,

Softball League, Musical Groups)Softball League, Musical Groups) Charities (Lion’s Club, School P.T.A., Charities (Lion’s Club, School P.T.A.,

March of Dimes)March of Dimes) Persons (Joe Citizen)Persons (Joe Citizen)

Attendance in anAttendance in anOfficial CapacityOfficial Capacity

A A supervisor (officer or employee supervisor (officer or employee above GS-11) may permit DOD above GS-11) may permit DOD employees to attend meetings, employees to attend meetings, conferences, and seminars conferences, and seminars sponsored by private organizations sponsored by private organizations ifif there is a legitimate Government there is a legitimate Government purposepurpose

Official ManagementOfficial ManagementProhibitedProhibited

General rule: You may General rule: You may notnot participate participate in the management of a private in the management of a private organization as part of your official organization as part of your official dutiesduties

Official ManagementOfficial Management

Army employees, to include Army employees, to include Soldiers, may only participate in the Soldiers, may only participate in the management of a non-Federal management of a non-Federal entity in an official capacity entity in an official capacity ifif authorization is received from the authorization is received from the Secretary of the Army Secretary of the Army andand the DoD the DoD General CounselGeneral Counsel

Liaisons with NFEsLiaisons with NFEs

The head of an Army organization may The head of an Army organization may appoint a liaison to an NFE, including a appoint a liaison to an NFE, including a private organizationprivate organization

Requires determination of significant and Requires determination of significant and continuing DoD interest required continuing DoD interest required

The liaison represents only the Army’s The liaison represents only the Army’s interest in matters of mutual interest, but interest in matters of mutual interest, but cannot bind the Army to any action cannot bind the Army to any action

Liaisons with NFEs (Cont.)Liaisons with NFEs (Cont.)

A liaison A liaison cannotcannot participate in the participate in the management or control of a NFE management or control of a NFE

Cannot be a full time position for any Cannot be a full time position for any

Soldier or civilian employeeSoldier or civilian employee

Must be appointedMust be appointed

Official EndorsementsOfficial Endorsements

Endorsement of a private organization Endorsement of a private organization event, product, service may not be event, product, service may not be stated or implied by soldiers or DA stated or implied by soldiers or DA civilians in their official capacities civilians in their official capacities

You Make the Call!You Make the Call!

An Installation Commander attends a campaign presidency rally for the current President of the United States, attempting to get re-elected to a second term, in his Class A Uniform.

Is this permissible?

ANSWERANSWER

No!No!

You may not attend any bi-You may not attend any bi-partisan politically fundraiser in partisan politically fundraiser in your official capacity. You could your official capacity. You could attend in civilian clothing in your attend in civilian clothing in your civilian capacity.civilian capacity.

Exceptions to Exceptions to EndorsementsEndorsements Exceptions: Exceptions:

CFC CFC AER AER Disaster Appeals approved by OPM, Disaster Appeals approved by OPM,

andand Organizations consisting of Army/DoD Organizations consisting of Army/DoD

employees/dependents when employees/dependents when conducting internal fundraising for conducting internal fundraising for informal funds when approved by the informal funds when approved by the Commander Commander

Personal Participation in Personal Participation in Private OrganizationsPrivate Organizations

Personal ParticipationPersonal Participation

Soldiers and Army civilians may join, Soldiers and Army civilians may join, participate in, or hold office in POs or participate in, or hold office in POs or NFEs in their personal capacitiesNFEs in their personal capacities

When participating in POs or NFEs, When participating in POs or NFEs, Soldiers and Army civilians must act Soldiers and Army civilians must act exclusivelyexclusively outside the scope of their outside the scope of their official positionsofficial positions

Personal Participation (Cont.)Personal Participation (Cont.)

Soldiers and Army civilians may Soldiers and Army civilians may notnot use use official titles/positions/organization official titles/positions/organization names in connection with private names in connection with private organization or NFE activities organization or NFE activities

Exception: A Soldier may use his/her Exception: A Soldier may use his/her grade and military department as part of grade and military department as part of his/her name (e.g., Major Smith, U.S. his/her name (e.g., Major Smith, U.S. Army). Army). ButBut, , cannot use title or position cannot use title or position to induce or coerce others to jointo induce or coerce others to join

You Make the Call!You Make the Call!

A Soldier has been asked by his A Soldier has been asked by his college to serve on the Alumni college to serve on the Alumni Association. Association.

Is this permissible?Is this permissible?

ANSWERANSWER

He may serve in his personal He may serve in his personal capacity.capacity.

But, he may not allow his position, But, he may not allow his position, duty address, or duty phone number duty address, or duty phone number be used on the college letterhead or be used on the college letterhead or other promotional literature.other promotional literature.

You Make the Call!You Make the Call!

COL Hoohah is a member of a private COL Hoohah is a member of a private organization called “Support Your organization called “Support Your Army.” “Support Your Army” wants Army.” “Support Your Army” wants to use the post auditorium for a to use the post auditorium for a presentation. COL Hoohah decides presentation. COL Hoohah decides to submit the request using his to submit the request using his official position (Inspector General) official position (Inspector General) and rank. and rank.

Is this permissibleIs this permissible? ?

ANSWER ANSWER

Inducement or coercion of benefitsInducement or coercion of benefits. .

An employee, to include all Soldiers, shall not An employee, to include all Soldiers, shall not use or permit the use of his Government use or permit the use of his Government position or title or any authority associated position or title or any authority associated with his public office in a manner that is with his public office in a manner that is intended to coerce or induce another person, intended to coerce or induce another person, including a subordinate, to provide any including a subordinate, to provide any benefit, financial or otherwise, to himself or to benefit, financial or otherwise, to himself or to friends, relatives, or friends, relatives, or persons with whom the persons with whom the employee is affiliated in a nongovernmental employee is affiliated in a nongovernmental capacitycapacity. .

Membership or position in a PO Membership or position in a PO may may notnot be accepted if it was be accepted if it was offered because of an employee’s offered because of an employee’s official positionofficial position

No Membership or Position if No Membership or Position if Offered Due to Official PositionOffered Due to Official Position

No SolicitationNo Solicitation

Army personnel may not solicit Army personnel may not solicit subordinates or prohibited sources (e.g. subordinates or prohibited sources (e.g. contractors) in PO fundraising contractors) in PO fundraising campaigns or membership drivescampaigns or membership drives

Army personnel may not permit the use Army personnel may not permit the use of their names in a PO solicitation that of their names in a PO solicitation that targets subordinates or prohibited targets subordinates or prohibited sources sources

An employee who is an officer, director, An employee who is an officer, director, or employee of a private organization or employee of a private organization may may notnot participate in official DOD participate in official DOD matters involving the organization.matters involving the organization.

Employees may Employees may notnot represent a private represent a private organization to the Government.organization to the Government.

Exception: uncompensated Exception: uncompensated representation for certain nonprofit representation for certain nonprofit professional, recreational, and similar professional, recreational, and similar organizations.organizations.

Conflicts of Interest ProhibitedConflicts of Interest Prohibited

Conflict of Interest Nets FineConflict of Interest Nets Fine When determining which company should receive When determining which company should receive

a contract to produce a video on Y2K issues for a contract to produce a video on Y2K issues for the Department of Commerce, a the Department of Commerce, a producer/director in the Office of Public Affairs producer/director in the Office of Public Affairs settled on a small production company that settled on a small production company that specialized in voiceover work. There was only specialized in voiceover work. There was only one small problem—the company was owned by one small problem—the company was owned by the employee and his wife. The Department of the employee and his wife. The Department of Commerce eventually paid the company over Commerce eventually paid the company over $10,000 for their work, earning the employee and $10,000 for their work, earning the employee and his wife a profit of over $1000. his wife a profit of over $1000.

Unfortunately for the employee, his fifteen Unfortunately for the employee, his fifteen minutes of fame were cut short by a District Court minutes of fame were cut short by a District Court Judge, who sentenced him to one year of Judge, who sentenced him to one year of probation, 100 hours of community service, and a probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $900 fine. The employee was found guilty of $900 fine. The employee was found guilty of violating 18 U.S.C. 208(a), which bars employees violating 18 U.S.C. 208(a), which bars employees from participating personally and substantially in from participating personally and substantially in a matter in which they have a financial interest.a matter in which they have a financial interest.

Obligating the ArmyObligating the Army

(Contracts, (Contracts, Agreements, and Agreements, and Commitments)Commitments)

Unauthorized CommitmentUnauthorized CommitmentCPT Fubar has a presentation to give to the CPT Fubar has a presentation to give to the Brigade Commander. A soldier is Brigade Commander. A soldier is photocopying that presentation when photocopying that presentation when suddenly the photocopier breaks down. In suddenly the photocopier breaks down. In order not to disappoint the commander, order not to disappoint the commander, the Soldier quickly calls the nearest the Soldier quickly calls the nearest photocopier repair service and requests photocopier repair service and requests that a repairman come out right away to that a repairman come out right away to repair the photocopier. The repairman repair the photocopier. The repairman comes out immediately and repairs the comes out immediately and repairs the photocopier. Has the soldier done anything photocopier. Has the soldier done anything wrong?wrong?

Unauthorized CommitmentsUnauthorized Commitments

Must have Must have authority to enter authority to enter into contracts or into contracts or agreementsagreements

Could be Could be personally liablepersonally liable

Only contracting Only contracting personnel have personnel have authorityauthority

In a NutshellIn a Nutshell

Prohibitions found in ethics and Prohibitions found in ethics and procurement laws and regulations may procurement laws and regulations may prevent a Soldier or civilian employee from prevent a Soldier or civilian employee from receiving compensation from a particular receiving compensation from a particular contractor after his or her government contractor after his or her government service.service.

While it may be permissible for a Soldier or While it may be permissible for a Soldier or civilian employee to work for a particular civilian employee to work for a particular contractor, it may be impermissible to work contractor, it may be impermissible to work on a particular contract or in a particular on a particular contract or in a particular segment of a contractor’s operations.segment of a contractor’s operations.

General Principles – AlwaysGeneral Principles – Always

Place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws and Place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws and ethical principles above private gain.ethical principles above private gain.

Act impartially to all groups, persons, and Act impartially to all groups, persons, and organizations.organizations.

Give an honest effort in the performance of Give an honest effort in the performance of your duties.your duties.

Protect and conserve Federal property.Protect and conserve Federal property. Disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to Disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to

appropriate authorities.appropriate authorities. Fulfill in good faith your obligations as a citizen, Fulfill in good faith your obligations as a citizen,

and pay your Federal, State, and local taxes. and pay your Federal, State, and local taxes. Comply with all laws providing equal Comply with all laws providing equal

opportunity to all persons, regardless of their opportunity to all persons, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap. handicap.

General Principles - NeverGeneral Principles - Never Use nonpublic information to benefit yourself or Use nonpublic information to benefit yourself or

anyone else.anyone else. Solicit or accept gifts from persons or parties Solicit or accept gifts from persons or parties

that do business or seek to official action from that do business or seek to official action from DA, unless permitted by an exception.DA, unless permitted by an exception.

Make unauthorized commitments or promises Make unauthorized commitments or promises that bind the Government.that bind the Government.

Use Federal property for unauthorized purposes.Use Federal property for unauthorized purposes. Take jobs or hold financial interests that conflict Take jobs or hold financial interests that conflict

with your government responsibilities.with your government responsibilities. Take actions that give the appearance that they Take actions that give the appearance that they

are illegal or unethical. are illegal or unethical.

ConclusionConclusion

Play it safe – ask your ethics counselor BEFORE Play it safe – ask your ethics counselor BEFORE taking any actiontaking any action

COL Rafatjah x 3119 – Staff Judge Advocate COL Rafatjah x 3119 – Staff Judge Advocate LTC German x 3116– Deputy Staff Judge AdvocateLTC German x 3116– Deputy Staff Judge Advocate 808-438-1600808-438-1600 www.www.hqdahqda.army.mil/.army.mil/ogcogc//eandfeandf..htmhtm www.jagcnet.army.milwww.jagcnet.army.mil

Office of Army General Counsel (Ethics & Fiscal)Office of Army General Counsel (Ethics & Fiscal) Army Standards of Conduct OfficeArmy Standards of Conduct Office

Questions?