Why is adultery a crime in the military?

I will say only one thing on this subject. And you older SM's should remember what happened. The subject is the "Kelly Flynn Fiasco." I call it that because of what the said person did that opened up a big can of worms. And for some unknown reason, those that got caught, denied it, but then were forced to retire out of their respective branches. But those that tried to deny it did drag the name of their service thru the mud so to speak. The only branch that I never heard of any one being unfaithful was the Marine Corps. Oh wait, that's right, those individuals resigned or retired before their names even came up it seems.

I think it is a crime because it shows the military member to have a dangerous character flaw. If that person is able to keep their sacred vows to their spouse, how can they be trusted to keep their vows to their country. I agree with others who have posted that military members are expected to hold themselves to a higher standard than the general public.

I do not have a problem with adultery from a certain perspective... Let me explain, you have a married military couple, or one member of a marriage who is a member of the military. Until the ink is dry on a divorce document the military soon-to-be ex-spouse is bound to refrain from engaging in future relationships. Although the couple has been separated for about 2-3 months with no signs of reconciliation, if the military service member engages in a new relationship that "moves to the next level" he or she can be charged with adultery, whereas if their counterpart is a civilian they can do whatever they want with whomever they want. Couples are bound by laws in certain states to remain married for a specific period of times (up to 1 year) before they can even file for dissolution, this is a huge disadvantage to the service member. Their ex can move on with their lives, but the service member cannot for fear of being brought up on charges. I've seen charges drafted and then dropped later on, but I have also seen some CO's/OIC bring common sense whereas if the couple has filed for a divorce (or legal separation), but needs to wait the specific time period the military service member is not bothered in the pursuit of his or her personal life.

I think the term "Adultery" in the military should be bared from any and all circumstance relating to legal separations or divorce proceedings as mandated by the state in which they reside. Just my two cents.