How can ethical dilemmas be characterized in the military?

Ethical dilemmas in the military can be characterized as conflicts between moral principles and regulations because military personnel often face situations where they must balance their duty to follow orders and adhere to regulations with their own ethical beliefs or moral considerations. This situation creates a complex environment where a soldier might question the morality of a specific action while still being obligated to execute orders that align with military protocols.

For instance, a soldier may have to decide whether to follow an order that they believe may cause unnecessary harm to civilians, thereby creating a clash between their ethical duty to protect human life and the legal duty to execute orders from superiors. This highlights the nuanced nature of ethical dilemmas in the military, as they aren't just about legality or efficiency but involve deeper moral questions that can significantly impact decision-making processes.