I'm not sure that's the case. DND issued a straightforward news release saying the Cmdre had been charged under NDA 129. Few details were released. This is SOP following Somalia and complaints that DND "hid" charges. Now, they announce significant charges (in this case, because he was a flag officer), but do not release details except where the offence would be punishable under the Criminal Code.

And, like it or not, when a fleet commander is relieved of command -- in anybody's navy -- that spells news.

One can argue for or against the editorial leanings of various media outlets (compare front page 5x7 colour portrait of the Cmdre in one paper with back pages treatment in another paper).

What happens now is the test. Should the Cmdre be respected for doing the right thing and saying "hey, if a sailor is a bad boy for doing this, so am I" ? Yes. Should he get less punishment than the sailor? No.

The real question here is: why is this an offence in the first place? No $ cost to taxpayer. No lost time/productivity from work. No risk of damage to the PC. Why is it illegal to view naked anybody on a DND laptop, but not illegal to watch skin flicks on a DND TV/VCR? Or, to read Playboy / Playgirl / whatever transported to theatre on a DND aircraft? Or to lust after scantily clad dancers in a DND sponsored show tour?

Values and morality are a personal thing and cannot and should not be legislated.

For those that are interested, here is the text of the DND news release which crossed my desk two days ago:

NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CCN NEWSWIRE - A SERVICE OF ITG

FOR: NATIONAL DEFENCE

JUNE 18, 2021 - 12:31 EDT

Charge Laid - Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order and Discipline

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--On June 15, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) laid a charge of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline against Commodore E.J. Lerhe, Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific, Esquimalt, British Columbia. The charge results from an incident, which allegedly occurred between April 1-2, 2000, in San Diego, California, USA.

Commodore Lehre allegedly made an unacceptable use of an Internet System account, funded by the Department of National Defence and contrary to Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD).

The CFNIS initiated an investigation in February 2001 after the incident was reported to Vice-Admiral R.D. Buck, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. Commodore Lehre is charged with one
count under section 129 of the National Defence Act, conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline.

Vice-Admiral Buck has temporarily relieved Commodore Lehre of command while awaiting the conclusion of judicial proceedings. All inquiries regarding the action taken by Commodore Lehre's
chain of command should be directed to Lieutenant-Commander Chris Henderson, Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs, (250) 363 5789.

-30-

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

National Defence
Media Liaison Office
(613) 996-2353/54
After hours: (613) 792-2973
Website: http://www.dnd.ca
or
Lieutenant Normand Chouinard
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal Media Coordinator
(613) 945-0522
(613) 783-8522 (pager)

[ 21 June 2001: Message edited by: towhey ]

What I really am outraged by is the severity of the charges. If this had been dealt with in an appropriately low-key fashion, there wouldn't have been a press release, and the poor guy's reputation needn't have been raked through the muck. Ironically it seems like it's actually the best thing that could have happened to him. Based on today's news it looks like the huge outpouring of public scorn has started the long, agonizing process of a climb down by the prosecution service.

CANADIAN GENERAL CHARGED WITH DERELICTION OF DUTIES.
-A top Canadian General has been charged with dereliction of duties after it was discovered that he stepped out of his CP to have a cigarette.
"We see this as immoral and unethical, since this is such a dirty habit." Said Colonel Wanker of the CF Political Correctness Police.
Cigarette smoking changes the way soldiers are viewed, Nosmo King, executive director of Citizens Against Smoking Around Other People, said in an interview
"It's dangerous for soldiers to be supervised by someone who spends his spare time with a dirty, expensive and unhealthy habit." she said.
Supervisors who go back to the office after accessing tobacco cigarettes are creating a hostile environment for soldiers to work in, she added. "It certainly does not help make [the workplace] more friendly with bad breath, second hand smoke, and a propensity for dreaded "nic-fits."

This guy did the ethical thing and will now suffer. Therefore the ethics bull**** we went through was just for show. This case is proof.

No wonder we have troble recruiting. Its wonder we put up with this.

Ubique

Unless the navy is any different than the army, you sign a contract upon receipt of a computer and/or account that you will not misuse it. And that is the one and only reason for action in this case .

Ubique

That was excellent! Unfortunately, I think some spin doctor in the puzzle palace has already plagerized your response and has it on file for immediate release in the near future.

You've created a dilemma for me. Do I flick my butts out the Iltis door, running the chance of a littering fine and by extention, severe carreer action (possible courts martial) for incurring a civie charge while in uniform . Or do I field strip my butts, keeping numerous butts in my map pocket, for use as evidence, when charged for dereliction of duty. I only wonder because any day now, I expect to see PC Officers posted to each low level organization throughout the forces. Their job description will be taken verbatum from the aide de memoire used by the Gen Force Political Officers who travelled with our opposite numbers during the Cold War. Their only job will be to ensure politcal correctness amongst the troops and ensure we tow the party line. writing each transgression in their secret squirrel book for future use during the purge Of course this will be their only job and they will not get involved in the day to day activities of soldiering, hence just another waste of rations OOPs, someone may be monitoring this forum from outside.

Rules and Regulations are just what they imply. When you are a leader and you begin to decide which rules and regulations you will and will not follow or enforce, what does it do to a groups discipline?

Do I think the Cmdre needs to be drawn and quartered? No, but he screwed up, he did the honourable think and came forward, he will also have to pay the consequences. Hopefully, it won't be anything than a slap on the wrist. Is he career ruined? Probably, who's going to promote the porno guy?

a. The rules for laptop use come from Treasury Board, not from DND. Yes, this statement is simply passing the buck.

b. The Cmdre has been dragged through the mud simply in the interest of transparancy within the CF. Officers above the rank of Col/Capt(N) must by investigated by the NIS if they breach a regulation.

My question to everyone is "What is the cost to the CF of being transparant?" I don't know the Cmdre but lets assume he is an excellent officer with great integrity (as he has shown by coming forward". Whereas in the past he could come forward and accept his lumps privately and carry on without having lost the resect of his sailors or having lost his command presence. Now this hasn't happened and the CF has lost a good leader and his name has been sprayed across the national media in a sensational way. Who's going to replace him? Someone so worried about their career that they won't come forward?

NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CCN NEWSWIRE

FOR: NATIONAL DEFENCE

AUGUST 20, 2021 - 17:18 EDT

National Defence: Statement From the Chief of the Defence
Staff - Reinstatement of Commodore Lerhe

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Ray Henault, today issued the following statement regarding the reinstatement of Commodore Eric Lerhe as Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific. As Commodore Lerhe is a flag (general) officer, the final decision about his reinstatement rested with the Chief of the Defence Staff.

"I, along with the senior commanders of the Canadian Forces, have thoroughly reviewed the facts of Commodore Eric Lerhe's case."

"Based on this review, and the recommendations of the senior commanders, I have made the decision to direct Chief of the Maritime Staff to take the necessary action to immediately reinstate Commodore Lerhe as Commander Canadian Fleet Pacific."

"Commodore Lerhe took responsibility for his actions and admitted his guilt during the court martial held on August 16th. The military justice system has dealt appropriately with the situation through the disciplinary process."

"Commodore Lerhe's willingness to take responsibility demonstrates his courage and integrity. I am fully confident of his leadership
and command abilities and his qualities as an officer in the Canadian Forces."

"I look forward to Commodore Lerhe's resumption of command."

-30-

Pro Patria
Grubby
Also like recceguy said as a disclaimer...(All this information can be found at DND website...under the JAG section...lots of great info there...nice to see who's getting dinged for what charge on the court martial part, appeals, calander. Plain common knowledge!)

[ 22 August 2001: Message edited by: Grubby ]