In last month’s newsletter, I shared with you my thoughts and feelings regarding the recent resignation of David Petraeus, subsequent to the revelation of his extra-marital affair. Sadly, his egregious behavior is just another example of unethical conduct by more than just a few field grade and general officers. No doubt, all professions have its share of miscreants, but for me, the misdeeds of high ranking military officers are magnified because the military is an institution based on virtue, ethics, and long standing values. Consider the following:
- Gen. Kip Ward was recently stripped of a fourth star amid allegations he spent thousands of government dollars on personal luxury travel;
- Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair is under investigation for forcing subordinates into having sex;
- Lt. Gen. Patrick O’Reilly is being forced into retirement for bullying staff;
- Gen. Stanley McChrystal was forced to retire because of ethical lapses and criticizing the White House;
- Gen. John Allen has been caught up in the Petraeus scandal;
- Col. James Johnson III was recently convicted of fraud and bigamy;
- Col Avanulas Smiley was relieved of duty because of an adulterous affair; and
- Over the last few years, at least 20 Navy officers were relieved of command, many for personal conduct.
This is a disturbing trend that erodes public confidence in our military leaders and most certainly negatively affects the morale of junior officers and enlisted personnel. Last month, the Pentagon launched a sweeping review into the misconduct of senior officers. The Defense Department’s Inspector General indicates that the number of substantiated allegations of wrongdoing by senior officers has risen steadily in recent years. In fact, the rise has been so dramatic, that the IG has had to hire additional investigators. It is hoped that the Pentagon review will shed some light on the causative factors for this rise in misconduct.
A fear of mine is that such behavior might be systemic and represents a reflection of how the values of our society have deteriorated, and we have come to accept a “new normal” as it pertains to ethical behavior.