Which term best describes the principle of consistently doing the right thing, regardless of being observed?

The principle of consistently doing the right thing, regardless of being observed, is best captured by the term integrity. Integrity involves adherence to moral and ethical principles, leading an individual to act in accordance with their values and beliefs even when there is no one to witness their actions. This quality is crucial, especially within military and professional environments, where trustworthiness and reliability in decision-making are paramount.

Selflessness primarily refers to putting the needs and well-being of others before one's own, rather than the broader concept of personal moral adherence. Ethics represents a system of principles guiding what is considered right or wrong, covering a broader scope of conduct and societal norms rather than focusing on individual action in the absence of oversight. Accountability involves taking responsibility for one's actions and being answerable to others, which is important but does not directly capture the intrinsic motivation behind doing the right thing independently of external observation.

Thus, integrity uniquely encompasses the idea of maintaining an internal moral compass that guides behavior in all situations, making it the best descriptor in this context.