Who is responsible for inculcating Department of the Navy core values and ethics obligations into the total force?

The Chief of Naval Operations holds the responsibility for instilling the Department of the Navy's core values and ethics into the total force. This role is critical as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is tasked with setting the overall strategic direction and maintaining the readiness of the Navy, encompassing both personnel development and organizational culture.

Inculcating core values such as honor, courage, and commitment into the service members helps to ensure that they not only adhere to the standards of conduct expected of them but also foster a cohesive environment that aligns with the mission and vision of the Navy. The CNO's leadership is vital in promoting these values throughout training, performance evaluations, and daily operations, creating a strong ethical foundation within the Navy.

While other roles, such as the Secretary of Defense or the Joint Chiefs of Staff, play significant parts in overseeing military operations and policies for the entire armed forces, they do not specifically focus on the day-to-day inculcation of core values within the Navy as part of their primary responsibilities. The Chief of Staff may oversee administrative functions but does not directly influence the ethical training and values dissemination in the same direct way as the CNO.