Although Katherine Dalton’s comments about the Kelly Flinn case (Cultural Revolutions, August) are well-taken, they do not quite find the bulls-eye on why the Uniform Code of Military Justice outlaws adultery. Adultery reveals an egregious lack of integrity, by far—at least in the opinion of this former commander of Marines—the most important moral virtue for the military. The issue is one of trust, which is the cement that binds all successful combat units. A man who will cheat on his wife will cheat on his buddies, especially when the shooting starts. Adultery is a supremely selfish act, and no one who commits it has honor (regardless of whether he or she is the married person). The troops know this. They brag about fornicating, but not about committing adultery. Any qualities that a man may have as a warrior are tainted if he is an adulterer.

        —(Father) Paul N. CheckNorth American CollegeVatican City