Unless he was having an affair with another general, or perhaps a full colonel, the offence would not have been any less if she had been an officer. Anyone who has served will understand that the captain and the general may belong to the same social class, but the disparity in power is vast.

A point that has been missed in the discussion so far is that BGen Menard not only flouted (not flaunted) regulations that he himself was required to enforce, but he failed in one of the prime duties of an officer, to promote the welfare and discipline of his subordinates. The MCpl in question was an adult and could make her own decisions about having an affair, but in so doing she jeopardized her own career and stands convicted of a service offence. Menard was her commander and even if they were mutually attracted to each other, it was his duty to say no. He bears some responsibility for the consequences that she has suffered