Scenario: The Boarding Party

Group Size: 4-15

Scenario

A Royal Canadian Navy ship is conducting maritime security operations abroad. Sailor First Class (S1) Odette Leblanchon and Antoine Broon are members of the ship’s boarding party team tasked to search a suspicious dhow (i.e., a type of small ship) sailing in the area. While inspecting the vessel’s cargo, they discover a large container filled with thousands of small bags of a white powder and a pallet with bundles of large denominations of a local currency.

“Look at this, Antoine,” says S1 Leblanchon. “The Commanding Officer (CO) will be quite happy when she learns what we found.”

S1 Broon and S1 Leblanchon are good friends. They went through their training together, have served on board the same ships and have followed similar career paths so far. S1 Broon has a lot of respect for S1 Leblanchon. She’s a high performer and, although they are of the same rank, S1 Broon has always considered her to be his role model. He is convinced that she will be a Chief Petty Officer, 1st class (CPO 1) one day. If he follows in her footsteps, he thinks, he will also make it to that rank.

“You’re quite right, my friend,” answers S1 Broon. “This is a Bravo Zulu for our team.”

While continuing the inspection, S1 Broon glances over to where S1 Leblanchon is standing, and notices that she is putting a handful of bills inside her vest.

“Hey, Odette” yells S1 Broon. “What are you doing? You can’t take that money. Leave it there!”

“Don’t worry about this, Antoine,” she yells back. “This money is probably worth less than the paper it’s printed on. And, by the way, it’s not legal tender in Canada. We’re going home next week, and this will make a great souvenir for my folks.”

Categories

• Principles: Serve Canada before Self, Obey and Support Lawful Authority
• Values: Integrity, Loyalty, Stewardship
• Cultural themes: Service
• Misconduct types: General Misconduct
• GBA Plus themes: Rank
• Audience: Canadian Armed Forces

Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the ethical obligations of “Serve Canada before Self” and “Obey and Support Lawful Authority” in this scenario.
• Discuss the ethical values of integrity, loyalty, and stewardship in this scenario.

Facilitation Questions

1. What is the problem in this scenario?
   • Open group discussion.
2. What considerations are at play with respect to Defence Ethics and the military ethos?
   • Open group discussion.
   • Discuss the ethical obligations of “Serve Canada before Self” and “Obey and Support Lawful Authority” in this scenario.
   • Discuss the ethical values of integrity, loyalty, and stewardship in this scenario.
3. If you were S1 Broon, what actions would you take in this situation? Why?
   • Open group discussion.
   • Option 1: Discuss further with S1 Leblanchon. He could make the common-sense argument that, contrary to S1 Leblanchon’s opinion, the money probably is of some value to the people who use it. He could also remind her of the relevant laws and regulations.
   • Option 2: Discuss with a supervisor or the Commanding Officer (CO). Seeking advice from the higher authorities could clarify right from wrong in this situation.
   • Option 3: Ignore the incident. If S1 Broon lets the incident slide and S1 Leblanchon keeps the money, both would be exposing themselves to the possibility of administrative or disciplinary measures. In addition, S1 Leblanchon could face charges under the National Defence Act or the Criminal Code of Canada, which continues to apply to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members during international operations.