Pentagon leaders want to bolster ethics training for flag-rank officers and officers on career paths that may someday culminate in reaching the top ranks. After studying existing policies for a year, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey offered two specific recommendations. First, Dempsey believes ethics training should be given greater emphasis earlier in officers’ careers. He also called for a review of the levels of support afforded to generals and admirals, to determine what is absolutely necessary for them to perform their jobs. Dempsey stopped short of recommending ethics training protocols for senior officers. The issue has garnered increased attention in the aftermath of the scandal last month that derailed retired Army Gen. David H. Petraeus’ career as director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
