<p>I couldn’t agree more that integrity is essential to true leadership…and don’t confuse an example with the argument that one “must” fail before they can be trusted as a leader. However, how one handles failure, especially personal failure, is one of many measures of leadership. I would hope that the leadership at all the service academies know better than to throw the book at every cadet/mid for every violation of every rule every day and in any circumstance. Not knowing the exact circumstances of what occurred at AFA, I will put my faith in those who do know the exact circumstances and hope that they will do what’s best for the entire class, the institution itself and the greater obligation to help imperfect human beings learn the right way to be leaders in our armed forces. </p>
<p>My comment was an attempt to caution those hard-liners who are quick to judge and pass judgment. This is a tragedy for all concerned and I know that these few are the exception and not the rule. I was going to write that most Mids/Cadets have integrity and honor, but I will amend that to include the majority of our servicemen and women.</p>