Admiral Stockdale led by example, as well as by precept. A course in professional military ethics at the Naval Academy concludes a semester-long exploration of military case studies and military applications of basic philosophical principles with consideration of Vice Admiral Stockdale s experience as a prisoner of war. The midshipmen read and discuss Epictetus, the philosopher he credited with providing him inner strength during his ordeal, alongside his own account of his military experiences. In November 1999, he spoke to the entire third class about his experiences over nearly four decades of service. We are not teaching situational ethics.
Absolutes exist, and what is right, the truth, many times is known.
For those situations, we expect compliance and demand accountability. We want leaders who have internalized the values we cherish and promote. We fail if they view leadership and professional military ethics as merely legalistic or contractual. But it is the need to prepare midshipmen to deal with those cases that are not so clear-cut also that is the basis for today s curriculum. We want them to graduate with a true understanding of timeless principles, so whenever they encounter situations where the rules have yet to be written, or where conflicts of duty are encountered, they can dig into their conscience and apply the critical thinking skills they learned during their four years at the Naval Academy and do the right thing and for the right reasons.