Conduct unbecoming

The military justice system is a set of laws and procedures regarding the conduct of all members of the United States military as specified in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, commonly known as the UCMJ. For example, while the U.S. Constitution states the right to a trial, the UCMJ defines what type of trial and the procedures for it. As George Washington said of the military, "When we assumed the soldier we did not give up the citizen."

I wonder, though, why the conduct of military officers is examined, and if it is found to be "unbecoming" it can result in courts martial and if found guilty, the officer charged can be removed from the service. Yet, the civilian members of the government overseeing the military are not subject to such restrictions and judgments. Consider the actions and behavior of some members of Congress, certain political appointees, and members of the executive branch over the past decades and consider whether these actions could be called unbecoming for a representative of the U.S. government.

I am not naïve enough to believe this could ever happen. The proposal for a "conduct unbecoming" law affecting civilian members of government to become law is totally unrealistic. Still, should the personal conduct and behavior of those desiring to become a member of the government and to represent the people of the United States matter?

If the UCMJ is applied to the uniformed members of the Department of Defense should it also be applied to the defense secretary or the president?

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Jack Dragoni attended Boston College and served in the U.S. Army in Berlin and Vietnam. He lives in Chaffee, Missouri.