His conscience is something dulled by the sheer professional challenges and by the hectic tempo of operations. Both can erode judgment. And a soldier must beware the loss of judgment. The ultimate test of willpower surely is the ability to dominate events rather than be dominated by them. A true leader stands his ground, coolly and imperturbably, when chaos surrounds him.
Bravery is the quintessence of the soldier.
But moral courage the strength of character to do what one knows is right regardless of the personal consequences is the true face of conscience. Sacking your best friend, facing up rather than turning the blind eye, accepting that the principle at stake is more important than your job such actions demand moral courage of a high order.