They are far from the solution to ethical behavior. Fear is a powerful motivator. Repressive governments make it their primary tool of coercion and compliance. In reality, it also affects much of our culture. Fear and law are effective only in limited ways.
Personal convictions form the most effective basis for moral and ethical behavior.
The dream of every commander is to have people who instinctively do what is right whether or not regulations give guidance. Unfortunately, personal convictions change with our society. Note again the implied dissection of private and professional behavior. I like to think of each of us having an inertial guidance system able to sense when we are off course and then initiate immediate correction. We need a moral compass.