Ethics, Integrity, and
Accountability
Chris Carlson
Counsel, MF Division
Carlsonch@usmc-mccs.org
“FOR ME? JUST BECAUSE I’M A FED?
NO WAY!”
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Why Ethics at this Conference?
• Impacts and applies to everyone here
• Federal requirement
Federal/DoD Requirements
• CRIMINAL RULES (can result in jail time and fines)
• Bribery. Actual corruption is the core.
• Conflicts of Interest Laws. Prevent acts that appear corrupt.
• ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (can be basis for sanction/discipline)
• 14 Ethical Principals. Establish ethical values/goals for Federal
employees.
• Executive Branch Standards of Conduct. Implement Ethics in
Government Act & criminal statutes; prevent actual & apparent
conflicts.
• DoD Supplemental Ethics Regulation (aka JER). Imposes additional
limits and restrictions on the Standards for DoD personnel.
Conflicts of Interest Laws
• Are General Intent Offenses
• Excuses That Don’t Work:
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“I’m an ethical person. That’s how I was raised me.”
“I always have the best interests of MCCS at heart.”
“It was a win: win.”
“I saved the government money.”
“I didn’t make an undue profit. In fact, I lost money.”
General Principles…
**“Don’ts”
1) Use Nonpublic Information for
**“Do’s”
Private Gain
1) Public Service=Public Trust
2) Solicit/Accept Gifts from Prohibited
2) Act Impartially
Sources
3) Give Honest Effort
3) Make Unauthorized Commitments
4) Protect & Conserve Federal 4) Use Federal Resources w/o
Property
Authorization
5) Disclose Fraud, Waste &
5) Take Jobs that Conflict w/ Gov
Abuse
Responsibility
6) Set Example as a Good
6) Take Actions that Raise Issues of
Citizen
Appearance
7) Comply with All Laws (EEO) 7) Hold Financial Conflicts of Interest
DepSecDef Memo of 21 Dec 10
• “Ethical conduct and moral responsibility must be a
high priority”
• “To sustain an ethical culture that inspires public
confidence means we must faithfully fulfill financial,
civic, and ethical duties”
• “In addition to strict compliance … must also
vigilantly avoid public concern about integrity”
• “Honorable intentions or personal ethos cannot
justify conduct that creates public doubt…”
Public Service = Public Trust
. . . No, it’s just because we really like you. But since you
asked…
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Ethical Decision Making
• Is not solely a function of determining with a law or
regulation permits you to do something
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Ethics are standards by which one should act based on values.
Values are core beliefs.
Not all values are ethical values.
Ethical values relate to what is right and wrong
Carefully consider ethical values when making decisions as part of official
duties.
Ethical Decision Making Process
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Define the Problem
Identify the Goal(s)
List Applicable Laws or Regulations, (and license requirements)
List the Ethical Values at Stake
Name All the Stakeholders
Gather Additional Information
State All Feasible Solutions
Eliminate Unethical Options.
Rank Remaining Solutions.
Commit To and Implement the Best Ethical Solution.
Applying the Principles
• Invited to teach, speak, or write for non-Federal entity or at
their event?
– Will you be paid? Topic related to your official duties? How will you
be introduced or noted in program? Award/gift given?
• Do you sit on board for, or work off-duty, non-Federal
entity?
– Government title/position used? Paid? Influence on board directed
at Government? Endorsement issues? Nonpublic info?
• Client provides a gift at resolution of services
– More than minimal intrinsic value? Personal relationship or official
position? Appearances and public trust?
• Using Government computer to work on private education
– Appropriate/approved use? Honest effort? Proper Example?
Contact your Regional MCCS Counsel or
designated ethics advisor with any
questions.
Give the facts and they will do the rest
MCI EAST
Scott Martin, scott.w.martin1@usmc.mil; (910)451-5033
MCI WEST
Tim Leachman, timothy.leachman@usmc.mil; (760) 725-3776
Okinawa/Iwakuni
Donovan Diaz, donovan.diaz@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org,
DSN 645-7233
MF Division/National Capital Region
Chris Carlson, carlsonch@usmc-mccs.org, (703)432-9599