Flag officers who break the rules often get retirement, albeit early. Enlisted who do similar things get the hammer dropped on them.

General Petraeus served 37 years in the Army and General (now LTG) Ward served 41 years.

Please provide an example of an NCO, close to that many of years, that wasn't allowed to retire.

I see the hypocrisy in this and I think that we need to enforce one standard for all, regardless of our rank or position.  Far too many times have I heard about a senior leader committing an offense but basically getting away with it because we "don't want to damage their careers too much."  They might get a rehabilitative transfer or even a relief for cause NCOER, but they often do not face UCMJ.  I have seen far too many occasions where junior Soldiers get the book thrown at them, because they can easily bounce back.  I don't think these should be the factors we consider.  It should be based on the crime committed.  I could be the most squared away Soldier at work, but if I go rob a bank, my punishment should be based on the crime and my intent with committing the crime, not my prior service records.

Sir, General Petraeus' affair was after the military. The recent one you refer to I'm assuming is BG Sinclair. If that is the case, he was not convicted of sexual assault, he was initially accused, but not convicted. Big difference there.

General Ward was demoted one rank and fined $82K. I have never known of an enlisted Soldier to be fined anywhere close to that. The loss of one rank will have a huge effect on his retirement pay. I didn't do the calculations of it but I'm sure it's huge.