To be completed by ALL Class of 2028 students by CSI Students prior to reporting for CSI and August 1st for all other incoming students.
I. Read the play A Few Good Men
II. Arrive on campus prepared to discuss the ethical situations present in the play and which characters they involved.
Note: There is no written assignment due.
To purchase a copy of A Few Good Men, go to Citadel Bookstore online and place your order. Limited copies may be available from Amazon.com or other online retailers.
Introduction to A Few Good Men
The play A Few Good Men presents the story of two Marines stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, who find themselves facing a court martial related to the death of a fellow Marine. “The Navy lawyer, a callow young man more interested in softball games than the case, expects a plea bargain and a cover up of what really happened. Prodded by a female member of his defense team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in doing so, puts the military mentality and the Marine code of honor on trial” (Samuel French, Inc., 2012).
As you read A Few Good Men, we encourage you to make notes in the margins of your book or in a spiral notebook and to pay careful attention to the many ethical issues present in the play. When considering potential ethical issues, think not only about the actions of the two men on trial, but also those of the Marine officers on base and the prosecuting and defense attorneys. Reflect on which characters demonstrate ethical or unethical decision-making and the consequences of their decisions. Also consider how characters might justify the decisions they make.
Reflecting on the characters in A Few Good Men and the consequences of making both ethical and unethical decisions in the line of duty will help you grow as a principled leader.