That's why ethics matter, even if you think they don't.

If other people doesn't matter, neither does their destruction, and how negative are the after-effects then?

I will not lie. I will not cheat. I will not steal.

Isn't that the cadet's creed? Or part of it?

I think that creed is from West Point, and this is ROTC,

My brother went to West Point, and the way I remember it, it ran, "I will not lie, cheat or steal, and I will not tolerate those who do." Cadets there were expected to report themselves for infractions, if for no other reason than to spare someone else the need to do so. There is also that "Duty, Honor, Country" thing. I'm on Joe's side here for sure. His clear duty is to see to it that the appropriate consequence falls on this cadet for cheating. I think people only think cheating is not that serious when it is for something that does not matter. After all, nobody wants to fly in a plane piloted by a guy who cheated on his eye exam. Saying it is ok for this kid to cheat and get away with it, is saying that ROTC does not matter. Personally, I think it does.

Sure, ethics might almost seem an impediment to achieving wealth, power, or whatever, but that doesn't change the fact that people who achieve wealth, power or whatever in very unethical ways pretty much universally leave destruction and other profound negative effects in their wake.

In a study by the guy that wrote The Millionaire Next Door, the most common characteristic used (by other people) to describe multi-millionaires was "integrity".

well, snce starting this job,, joe's standard in general, has been "is this person qualified to lead my daughter in combat someday" (if Ellie were to grow up to be a soldier someday). From that perspective, I think ethics are crucial because I think it represents the best possibility for her to come home in one piece.

I'm taking a huge shortcut there but the iPhone makes it hard to write long posts.

also, what ita said

Huge shortcut or not, I think you nailed it, Stephanie.

"Boing" or "boink"?

If other people doesn't matter, neither does their destruction, and how negative are the after-effects then?

Historically speaking, I'd say the more prevalent this attitude is among those in power, the more negative the effects are. Including for those in power who think themselves immune.

I am very much a believer in "Rules are for the guidance of the wise, and the blind obedience of fools". I see no wisdom in cheating.

I believe that small flaws often grow into something much bigger. IOW, if a ROTC cadet thinks cheating is no big deal, I tremble to think what he'll believe is OK by the time he's a colonel or a general.