Joint Ethics Purpose To understand the origins and scope of the ethic requirements To understand your duties as a DOD employee To become familiar with the gift travel and use of government resources rules Joint Ethics Regulation Overview JER Background and Scope JER General Policy and Duties Key Rules JER Background Replaced AFR 30 30 DOD Directive 5500 7 R 30 Aug 93 No Service Supplementing Regulations Applies to all DOD employees regardless of civilian or military grade 12 Chapters Punitive Provisions Ethical Duties Set a personal example for fellow DOD employees Perform all official duties to facilitate Fed Government efficiency and economy Report suspected violations of ethics regulations Principles of Ethical Conduct Loyalty to Constitution laws and ethical principles above private gain No conflicts of financial interests No improper use of information to further private interests Honest effort in performance of duties No unauthorized commitments or promises Ethical Conduct continued No use of public office for private gain Impartial no preferential treatment Conserve Federal property No outside employment conflicts with official duties Disclose waste fraud and abuse MORE Ethical Conduct Do not use rank or position to further private interest Prohibited from commercial solicitation and sale to Junior ranking personnel exception one time basis for house vehicle etc Solicitation for contribution for gifts must be voluntary Must pay all personal financial obligations in timely manner Must be careful of accepting gifts from organizations seeking to do business with the Department of Defense EVEN MORE Ethical Conduct Can t conduct any gambling activities on government property The use of government facilities property or manpower for other than official use is prohibited You may not use Inside information for personal gain Avoid activities of organizations that are incompatible with your government position Can t use your position or rank to endorse a commercial product Outside employment which is incompatible with your government duties is prohibited General Policy DOD Employees civilian and military Shall Become familiar with all Ethical Provisions Comply with all provisions Become familiar with scope and authority for official activities for which YOU are responsible Meet Your Ethics Counselor Arms Length Attorney Ethics Counselor s Role Ethics counselor AN ATTORNEY No attorney client privilege Must so advise before any communications Must report suspected JER violations Written guidance will help keep you out trouble Joint Ethics Regulation Key Rules Gift Travel Use of Government Property Commercial Activities Fundraising Gifts From Outside Sources The General Rule None from prohibited sources or given because of official position Prohibited Source Does business with the DoD Seeks to do business with the DoD Gifts The Practical Approach Is Item Actually a Gift If exception applies would acceptance undermine Government Integrity Illegal if in exchange for an official action Other statutes may prohibit Appearance influence is being bought Gifts Between Employees General Rule No gifts to official superiors official superior means someone who directs or evaluates an employee May not accept gift from lesser paid employee Unless personal relationship justifies gift and no superior subordinate relationship exists Gifts Between Employees Exceptions Occasional Basis Christmas birthday Non cash gifts of 10 or less Food in office hospitality at residence Special Infrequent Occasion marriage retirement 10 limit per person 300 per organization Bottom Line on Gifts Regardless of exceptions may NEVER accept a gift in return for influence or solicit a gift from an outside source Gifts within exceptions must be truly VOLUNTARY Official Travel Air Travel Required to Fly Coach Unless No other reasonably available accommodations exist Disabled employees condition necessitates first class travel Exceptional security circumstances All first class travel must be reported to the GSA Official Travel Use of Premium Class Only seats provided on required route No Space available required route Disabled Security purposes or exceptional circumstances Cheaper for Government Costs paid by a Non Federal Source Incidental Travel Benefits cont On the Spot Upgrades May accept if available to public Don t accept if offered because of rank or official position Getting Bumped Voluntarily Keep benefit Involuntarily Benefit belongs to Fed Government Use of Government Resources Agency designee MAY authorize if No adverse affect on duty performance duration frequency reasonable Pub interest keeping employee at work station No adverse reflection on US e g porn reading chain letter etc No overburdening no significant additional cost Commercial Activities No conflicts of interest or even appearance No solicitation of junior members Key exception to Junior member prohibition One time sale of non commercial property Fundraising Only Combined Federal Campaign and Air Force Assistance Fund are officially sanctioned Purely personal unofficial fundraising may be done subject to limitations Joint Ethics Regulation Summary JER Background JER General Policy and Duties Do Your Job Follow the Rules Key Rules Gift Travel Resource and Fundraising Conclusion Take JER DEADLY serious Remember it is a PUNITIVE regulation When In Doubt See Your Ethics Counselor The servants of the Nation are to render their services without any taking of presents Plato