Decisions determining who should go on a TDY are discussed within the organization. Each section lays out their argument and reasoning why it is important for a member of that section to get the necessary training in order to perform daily duties. The ideas are heard and determined when it is appropriate. In reality, the member finds out the week before he or she leaves.
The member in question is now faced with the ethical dilemma of sending personnel on much needed training or sending himself to multiple planning conferences to Hawaii. The final decision was made for purely selfish reasons in which he later admitted. The reasons he gave included going scuba diving, meeting his sister, and finally since he is single he wanted to merely get off the island to venture out and add airline miles to his personal account.
To me, the logical choice was not made. The TDYs should have been given priority based on the needs of the unit, location, cost, and previous technical experience. The end result could hypothetically still been the same, but Rawls suggests that if he had made his decisions based upon not knowing what his personal outcome of sending himself on the trip and considered the benefits versus the costs with respect to the unit, then the most just decision would be made. In this particular case, other members needed basic training requirements fulfilled. As a future measure to prevent such actions from occurring, I would suggest the director of the unit approve any budget decisions when it involves spending over three thousand dollars. .
A few years ago I had problems with my right elbow due to an injury sustained in track and field. The orthopedic surgeon determined that it required surgery. After waking up from the anesthetic, I noticed my whole right arm was in intense pain. I figured it was normal and didn't say anything. As time went on the pain never subsided. It was an extreme nerve pain that did not allow me the use of my right hand.
