Should the moral turpitude clause be reinstated back into the UCMJ and equally applied to all ranks?

2019-12-23T01:49:39-05:00

Moral turpitude is a legal term of art that describes “an act or behavior that gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard of the community.” The term is used in deportation, disbarment, and disciplinary proceedings...this used to be in the UCMJ but was removed in 1966~67. Do you think in light of your experiences in the military this should be reinstated and applied equally to ALL RANKS?

Response by 2LT Gerald Dominy made Dec 23 at 2019 1:52 AM

2019-12-23T01:52:38-05:00

After service in 3 branches. I believe we need it desparately. Rank having its privileges has run amuck and is being abused.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Dec 23 at 2019 8:18 AM

2019-12-23T08:18:08-05:00

We already have punitive articles that cover criminal acts as established by Congress. "Standards of the Community" is to vague to be useful in the UCMJ.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 23 at 2019 6:38 PM

2019-12-23T18:38:23-05:00

Wouldn't it be covered by one or more of the specific violations of Art 134?

Response by 2LT Gerald Dominy made Dec 26 at 2019 2:16 AM

2019-12-26T02:16:36-05:00

Follow this precept..the US Military is the only form of Socialism we support in these United States. Its not pure to its form in socialism. But in a military structure it is very much like it..Every form of socialism has fell from within because of moral decline. Its own corruption consumes it eventually..In my time in 3 branches and from others i have not seen more accountability to morals and character over the years. Even the Army recognized this in late 90s by issuing copies of the UCMJ and core values cards to new recruits. And these examples go on in other branches. How can we NOT hold to a standard that is better than our enemys AND EXPECT OUR SERVICES TO REMAIN STRONG..The things that are commonplace now were offenses when this policy was in effect. I have seen it throughout the ranks from junior enlisted thru NCOs and in officer ranks..if one lacks the moral terpitude to make a just or moral decision how in hades can they lead with such depravity in their hearts and mind..they become kings and dictators unto themselves. RANK HAS ITS PRIVILEDGES runs amuck with no end to its abuses..the military is not the Boy Scouts. BUT it used to be far more just and moral than it is now that it inspired the creation of the Boy Scouts. Corruption is destroying what we know of the scouts now. And i propose the same problem exists in the branches.