The S-CALM Model: The Application of Ethical Leadership in the Military

The S-CALM model is a simple toolkit for remembering how to make ethical decisions in stressful military situations. It pulls together four disciplines; ethical leadership theory, military ethics, military leadership doctrine and behavioural science concepts into a straightforward, understandable format that can be easily applied. Case studies have been extensively used to explain and bring to life each element of the S-CALM model. This model acts as a handrail for ethical decision-making when faced with fatigue, stress and the emotions of command.

Dr Dennis Vincent was commissioned into the British Army, he was awarded an MBE and commanded 3rd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment. In 2015 he left the Army and became the Head of the Department of Communication and Applied Behavioural Science at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In 2024, he became a Senior Lecturer at Cranfield University and the academic director for the Strategic Leadership Programme. He has a PhD in Military History and Leadership Studies from King's College London.