General removed for . . . adultery!?
Four-star general Kevin Byrnes, with a reportedly-unblemished 36 year record in the Army, was relieved of his command 3 months before his scheduled retirement. Separated since May 2004, divorce finalized August 8, 2005, Gen. Byrnes's offense was an affair with a private citizen.
Now, I realize that adultery is against the UCMJ, and I believe it's wrong, unwise, and a generally bad idea. But holy smokes--relieved of his command? If I recall correctly, Eisenhower was more than just good friends with his driver, Kay Summersby, and I feel quite confident that we could quickly turn up a search of other military officers who have been less than true-blue to their spouses.
When I hear "relieved of his command," I think of Captain Bligh, or someone who purposely puts soldiers at grave risk for his personal glory (think Catch-22), or someone who participates in and encourages gross atrocities (think William Calley). But a single adulterous relationship? Seems odd to me.
Now, I realize that adultery is against the UCMJ, and I believe it's wrong, unwise, and a generally bad idea. But holy smokes--relieved of his command? If I recall correctly, Eisenhower was more than just good friends with his driver, Kay Summersby, and I feel quite confident that we could quickly turn up a search of other military officers who have been less than true-blue to their spouses.
When I hear "relieved of his command," I think of Captain Bligh, or someone who purposely puts soldiers at grave risk for his personal glory (think Catch-22), or someone who participates in and encourages gross atrocities (think William Calley). But a single adulterous relationship? Seems odd to me.
posted by English Professor | 10:23 PM
<< Home