There is no question that sexual relationships between Soldiers while deployed are in direct conflict with the Army Values. These relationships cause Soldiers to compromise their integrity and violate their loyalty and respect for their fellow Soldiers. When Soldiers choose to get intimately involved, they disregard their duty to their peers, their unit and their nation. This is a tough challenge but it is one that we must work toward solving. It degrades our combat capabilities by redirecting valuable resources. It brings Soldiers into direct conflict with the Army Values and works against the tight teamwork that makes us so good at what we do. Finally, it is a problem that violates our trust with the American people and it reinforces and bolsters the enemy's point of view throughout the world. Regulating human sexual behavior is a daunting challenge but commanders must try to do what is right in this complex matter.

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