STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT AND ETHICS GUIDANCE
FOR DOD MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
Reference: (a) DoD Regulation 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation (JER), Executive Order 12674
To maintain the public's confidence in our institutional and individual integrity, all Department of Defense personnel, as indicated by subpart A - General provisions of reference (a), shall apply the principles set forth in determining whether their conduct is proper.
1. Public service is public trust, requiring employees to place loyalty to the Constitution, the law and ethical principles above private gain.
Employees shall not:
2. Hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty;
3. Engage in financial transactions using nonpublic Government information or allow the improper use of such information to further any private interest;
4. Solicit or accept any gift or other item of monetary value from any person or entity seeking official action from, doing business with, or conducting activities regulated by the employee's agency, or whose interests may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee's duties;
5. Knowingly make unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government;
6. Use public office for private gain; or
7. Engage in outside employment or activities, including seeking or negotiation for employment, that conflict with official government duties and responsibilities.
Employees shall:
8. Put forth an honest effort in the performance of their duties;
9. Act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private organization or individual;
10. Protect and conserve Federal property and use it only for authorized activities;
11. Disclose fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities;
12. Satisfy in good faith their obligations as citizens, including all just financial obligations, especially those -- such as Federal, State, and Local taxes -- that are imposed by law;
13. Adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or handicap; and
14. Endeavor to avoid any actions creating an appearance they are violating the law or ethical standards.