Is there such a thing. (are there such things)
from about.com
regarding Military Ethics and Conflicts of Interest. Standards of Ethical Conduct.
"Not all values are ethical values (integrity is; happiness is not)"
"Honesty. Being truthful, straightforward, and candid are aspects of honesty.
Truthfulness is required. Deceptions are usually easily uncovered. Lies erode credibility and undermine public confidence. Untruths, told for seemly altruistic reasons (to prevent hurt feelings, to promote good will, etc, ) are nonetheless resented by the recipients.
Straightforwardness adds frankness to truthfulness and is usually necessary to promote public confidence and to ensure effective, efficient conduct of operations. Truth presented in such a way as to lead to recipients confusion, misinterpretation, or inaccurate conclusions are not productive. Such indirect deceptions can promote-ill-will and erode openness, especially when there is an expectation of frankness.
Candor is forthright offering of unrequested information. It is necessary according to the gravity of the situation and the nature of the relationships. Candor is required when a reasonable person would feel betrayed if the information were withheld. In some circumstances, silence is dishonest; yet in other circumstances, disclosing information would be wrong and perhaps unlawful."