Well, the United States Navy has started out the year well, with a scandal. This time, it's not sexual misconduct or bribe taking. Of all things, it's test cheating within the Nuclear Training program. It seems that more than 30 senior personnel have been caught cheating on exams designed to certify them to TRAIN OTHERS to operate nuclear power plants throughout the Navy.
Having been stationed on board Nuclear powered vessels during my career, this conduct appalls me and I am frankly disgusted. Once again, the actions of a few have sullied the reputations of many. The fact that the latest scandal took place in such an important area of the Navy is even more shocking. Tens of thousands of lives can be at stake. Forget about the money involved. These are lives we are talking about!
So, of course, the powers of the Navy will meet and discuss their options. Public statements will be released and there will probably be a press conference. But, it seems to me that the solution, in the short term is simple. Once the guilty are identified, they should all be dismissed from the service; dishonorably. They have placed lives in danger, avoided their responsibilities as leaders and worst of al; all involved have violated the public trust.
Violating the Public Trust is the most egregious offense anyone can commit. We, as citizens trust that our military personnel will carry out their duties to the best of their abilities. We, as the public do, after all; give over our most prized gift to the Government when they join the service: Our Children. No matter what age the person is when they join, they are someone's child, brother, sister, husband or wife.
But those involved with this cheating scandal don't seem to care. "Let's cheat. It's only a test. It's not the "real" thing. What's the harm?" Were these the thoughts that went through their minds? Did they even have thoughts?
By the way, Let's strike the term "Core Values" from the Department of the Navy's lexicon. It would seem that there is a lack of value prevelant in the Navy. Well, maybe that is an unfair statement. At a minimum, we have reached a time when there needs to be more training in Core Values. I am not just talking about going over the words. I am speaking of Learning what they mean and learning to live them.
With 30 people caught up in this scandal, it is obvious to me that there is an institutional atmosphere that turns a blind eye towards this type of action. Otherwise, it could not have happened.
Honor, Courage and Commitment in the truest sense of the words would not have allowed this to happen. You see, if you take those words at their meaning, the most junior person in the Navy has the same leadership responsibilities as the most senior. Therefore, even the most junior person could have blown the whistle, so to speak, on this operation before it got off the ground.
The Navy's core values teach that we are required to do the right thing, each and every time, regardless of consequence or reward; weather someone is looking or not. We do not do this because we look for recognition or revenge. We do this simply because it is the right thing to do.
If someone had the courage to live up to their responsibilities in the beginning of all of this, the "cheating plot" would have failed before it got started.
I hope that the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy live up to their responsibilities and the Navy's Core Values and do what is required to regain the public trust. Their subordinates certainly have failed.
If they need an instructor, I'd be happy to teach the class, no charge.
As Always...
No comments:
Post a Comment