Honor, Courage, Commitment and Adultery?

In 1996, Marine Corps Commandant Charles C. Krulak began a program to remind Marines of the basic foundation of the Marine Corps known as the Core Values Program. In ALMAR 43996, General Krulak, re-emphasized the importance of returning to the Marine Corps core tenets of honor, courage, and commitment. However, despite active steps taken by the Marine Corps to ensure the continued reliance on these values as guidelines for everyday operations, adultery continues to be an issue, as Marines commit adultery with civilians and other Marines alike. In a survey of the student population at Expeditionary Warfare School EWS in January 2005, 47 respondents replied to questions regarding their experience with adultery in the military. Of these respondents, 62.5 reported dealing with perceived incidents of adultery during their military careers. Unfortunately, this problem continues and often is uninvestigated or not prosecuted for various reasons. In the survey of EWS students, 76.4 of the respondents who reported perceived cases of adultery within their units also responded that these cases were never investigated by the command. This goes directly against General Krulaks charge to the leaders of the Marine Corps. To stay in line with the Marine Corps Core Values of honor, courage, and commitment, Marine Corps leaders have a responsibility to more actively investigate and prosecute adultery cases within their commands.