Vocational education is being asked to assist in defense preparedness as a deterrent to war and, if necessary, in war itself. As citizens, but also as educators, vocational educators particularly must examine the ethical questions concerned with that role. First, they should examine the criteria for a just war, and then consider the values inherent in the meanings of the concepts "education" and "vocation" as they relate to this ethical issue. Vocational educators should be aware of the need to think critically about the values of our society and to teach their students to think critically--although such a course is often not popular. The traditional definition of "vocation" involves a commitment to a life's work, particularly a divine or spiritual calling to a state in life. Vocational educators need to consider how that definition squares with their teaching of vocational education--is it merely passing on skills, or are there ethical and moral values to be considered? Along with the nature of vocation, educators must examine the nature of education; philosophers have embued education with the preparation for the "good life," not just skill training. As vocational education moves to prepare more students for careers related to military preparedness, these ethical issues become more important. They are issues that must be examined in professional journals, in meetings, and in everyday practice. (KC)