As ex-First Sea Lord is sacked, what are military rules and regulations on social conduct?
The former First Sea Lord has been sacked and has lost his rank of Admiral.
The MOD said, following an investigation, Sir Ben Key's behaviour was found to have "fallen far short of the values and standards expected of service personnel".
So, what are those values and standards?
The core values of the Royal Navy are: integrity, loyalty, discipline, commitment, courage and respect for others.
The rules on inappropriate behaviour in the military can be found in a document called JSP 763 (Joint Service Publication).
It says that as part of the Government, the MOD is expected to demonstrate the highest standards and values.
Core behaviours ensure that each person can understand what behaviours are expected of them – what to do and what not to do.
Unacceptable behaviour is any conduct that is unlawful or that is inconsistent with core behaviours.
The Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct and policy on personal relationships between service personnel is laid out with a number of specific examples.
It applies to all members of the Armed Forces regardless of their rank or status, and says: "In the area of personal relationships, the overriding operational imperatives are to maintain operational effectiveness, sustain team cohesion and maintain trust between commanders and those they command."
"It is important to acknowledge that in the tightly knit military community there is a need for mutual respect and a requirement to avoid conduct which undermines trust and cohesion, damages a unit's morale or operational effectiveness, or offends or causes distress to others."
What breaches the code of conduct?
:: Over-familiarity with the spouses, civil partners or partners of other service personnel.
:: Displays of affection which might cause offence to others.
:: Behaviour which damages or puts at risk the marriage, civil partnership or personal relationships of Service personnel, or civilian colleagues within the wider defence community.
:: Misuse of rank and taking advantage of subordinates.
:: Probing into a person's private life and relationships.
How is any wrongdoing assessed?
"The seriousness with which misconduct will be regarded will depend on the individual circumstances and the potential for adversely affecting operational effectiveness and team cohesion," the document states.
"Misconduct involving abuse of position, trust or rank, or taking advantage of an individual's separation, will be viewed as being particularly serious.
"Each case will be judged on an individual basis.
"When considering whether the service has a duty to intervene in the personal lives of its personnel, Commanding Officers (COs) at every level should consider each case against the following service test:
"Have the actions or behaviour of an individual adversely impacted or are they likely to impact on the efficiency or operational effectiveness of the service?
This service test lies at the heart of the Armed Forces Personal Relationships policy and it can apply to all forms of conduct, including behaviour while not on duty.
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