Statement by the Press Secretary on Review of General and Flag Officer Ethics
November 15, 2012

The Secretary believes that the vast majority of our senior military officers exemplify the strength of character and the highest ethical standards the American people expect of those whose job it is to provide for the security of our nation. They represent not only the best of the American military but the American people. The majority of these officers lead by example, which is one of the reasons the United States military stands without peer.

Over the past several months, the Secretary has spoken with the service secretaries, service chiefs, and combatant commanders about those instances when senior officers have not lived up to the standards expected of them. This has been an ongoing discussion reflecting shared concerns.

This week, the Secretary directed General Dempsey to work with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to review how to better foster a culture of stewardship among our most senior military officers. Their initial findings are due to the Secretary within the next few weeks.

This process is intended to reinforce and strengthen the standards that keep us a well led and disciplined military. Input to the Secretary will form the basis of a report to the President on the Department’s progress in this area by December 1, 2012.