Ethics

The ADF-P-0 Military Ethics doctrine summarizes the key principles of military ethics as applied by the Australian Defence Force. It serves as a foundation for ethical training and development across the ADF. Understanding the Australian Profession of Arms, legal and ethical responsibilities for the use of force, ethical theory, ethics in war, military ethics and ethical risks is essential to appreciate military ethics from an Australian perspective.

The Australian Profession of Arms

The ADF uses the ethical, disciplined application of force to achieve the national interest.

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The Australian Defence Force’s Legal and Ethical Responsibilities for the Use of Force

In Australia, the National Security Committee of Cabinet (NSC) acts as the legal and ethical authority for the deployment of the ADF.

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Ethical Theory

The ethical theories that provide the basis for the ADF’s approach to ethics.

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Ethics in War

The ethical principles define how ADF members conduct themselves in war.

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The Australian Defence Force Military Ethics

The ADF Ethical Decision-making Framework asks all ADF members to think through four questions when faced with ethical decisions.

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Ethical Risks

Some of the more significant ethical risks to ADF members in performing ethically include: abuse of power, normalisation of deviance, the damaging effects of war, moral drift and disengagement and ethical relativism.

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