One of the greatest ethical dilemmas today facing our army is retribution. If a soldier identifies a problem with his or her organization, the appropriate actions are to correct the situation, not negative and adverse actions towards the soldier. Retribution undermines the Army Values in one form or another. The Webster's Dictionary, Abridged Edition, defines the word "retribution" as "something given or demanded in repayment, esp. punishment." The Latin word is retribuere, meaning payback. Retribution happens most times when a subordinate is in direct conflict with his superior's actions.

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