SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 

1000 DEFENSE PENTAGON 

WASHINGTON , DC 20301-1000 

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL AND DOD EMPLOYEES 

SUBJECT: Ethical Conduct and Political Activities 

Ethical conduct is fundamental to our Department's ethos and to the success of our 

National Defense Strategy. Each of us must be unwavering in our personal commitment to 

exemplary ethics and living by core values grounded in duty and honor. The guidance and 

direction I issued last year, "Reaffirming Our Commitment to Ethical Conduct" (attached), is 

enduring. 

All Department of Defense personnel must be steadfast in our commitment to defend the 

Constitution and our Nation's democratic principles. As citizens, we exercise our right to vote 

and participate in government. However, as public servants who have taken an oath to defend 

these principles, we uphold Do D's longstanding tradition of remaining apolitical as we carry out 

our official responsibilities. Maintaining the hard-earned trust and confidence of the American 

people requires us to avoid any action that could imply endorsement of a political party, political 

candidate or campaign by any element of the Department. Leaders will review the rules 

governing participation by DoD personnel in political activities and direct widest dissemination 

of the guidance in this memorandum to their teams. 

To ensure we are ready to do what is right when ethical dilemmas arise, we must 

continuously train and prepare. I am pleased with the reports I received about leader involvement 

in annual ethics training last year, and I expect leaders to continue to lead scenario-based ethics 

training for their organizations. DoD personnel who are required by regulation to complete 

annual ethics training must do so by ovember 30th of each calendar year. Additionally, military 

and civilian leaders should regularly discuss ethics and values with their teams in the normal 

course of leading and decision-making. 

Lead by your example. I am proud to serve with each of you who uphold the values and 

high standards of our Nation and the Department of Defense. Together, we will remain the most 

ready and capable military force that our Nation expects and deserves. 

Attachment: 

As stated 
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 

1000 DEFENSE PENTAGON 

WASHINGTON, DC 20301-1000 

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

EMPLOYEES 

SUBJECT: Reaffirming Our Commitment to Ethical Conduct 

All ofus in the Department of Defense enjoy the highest trust and confidence of the 

American people because we live by core values grounded in duty and honor that influence how 

we think and act. The decisions that we make every day must reaffirm our commitment to 

ethical conduct - doing what is right, without hesitation. 

The threats we face, the character of warfare, and the way the Department conducts 

business are evolving. Our National Defense Strategy focuses our efforts in an increasingly 

complex global security environment, and ethics is integral to our three lines of effort. Ethical 

leadership that builds principled, self-disciplined teams strengthens readiness and improves 

lethality. Our shared ethical values strengthen alliances and attract new partners. Ethics-based 

standards and accountability are fundamental to business reforms, and to keeping faith with our 

Service Members and their families. 

A commitment to exemplary ethics must be a personal creed. I expect every member of 

the Department to continue to aim beyond compliance with basic standards. As leaders, 

teammates, and colleagues, we must inspire each other by setting an example, rejecting any 

sense of personal entitlement, and never abusing our position or our privilege of service. We 

must be willing to choose the harder virtue over the easier vice. 

Each of us takes a solemn oath to support and defend the Constitution. The Department's 

mission imparts a special responsibility on each of us to serve with the utmost integrity and be 

vigilant in protecting the duties and confidences with which we have been entrusted. 

To ensure we are ready to do what is right when ethical dilemmas arise, we must train 

and prepare ourselves. As such, r expect Department leaders to be personally involved in 

training their organizations. Talk about examples of ethical decision-making, good and bad. 

Make these conversations a natural part of your meetings and engagement with your personnel. 

Create an open, transparent environment that reinforces values-based decision-making and 

action. And always treat everyone with dignity and respect. 

I am proud of the great work our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and civilians do 

each and every day around the globe. Stay focused on your mission, remain steadfast in your 

pursuit of excellence, and always travel the honorable path. Together, we will remain the most 

ready and capable military force that our Nation expects and deserves.