Adultery an Ethical Problem

Adultery is a controversial subject and a common occurrence in the United States Army and in the civilian community as well. In the civilian world, adultery is a crime in most states but the punishment varies from state to state. In the military, adultery is punishable under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). While most people view adultery as consensual sex between two persons of which at least one is married the actual definition of adultery is extramarital sex that willfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations. Adultery is a common occurrence in the Army. While adultery is punishable under UCMJ, its effects are far more reaching. Adultery is a direct violation of the Army Values. For the purpose of this paper, I would like to apply the Army values to marriage. The first Army Value is Loyalty, which is bearing true faith and allegiance to the constitution, the Army and other Soldiers. Committing adultery is being unfaithful to the spouse. When a Soldier commits adultery, they violate the allegiance that they have with their spouse. Being loyal to a spouse is something that comes from within the person. The second Army Value is Duty. Duty is fulfilling your obligations. When a Soldier, or any person, gets married, they generally go before God and take many vows. While they do not take a vow to uphold the Army Values some of the vows that they may take are to honor and cherish, for better or worse, and til death do us part. While many people today choose to write their own vows, the meaning of marriage remains the same.