Military training has its basis on a few core principles; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Courage. The military instills these values in those of us who are lucky enough to serve, and we are beholden to represent that those values as we transition into civilian life.

Some would argue that Congressman Joe Wilson had a right to confront the President of the United States. In the proper forum, I agree. However, in every military operation we are guided by rules of engagement; rules that help us define our mission, define when it is proper to act or react, and what amount of response is appropriate. These rules protect the lives of our fellow soldiers, and the civilians we are bound by duty to protect. Congressman Joe Wilson, who is a veteran, should have understood better the rules of engagement for the Presidential Address on Wednesday evening.

There is no protocol, or excuse for heckling the President of the United States during a speech, no matter what political party that President is from. Voicing opposition at that moment, in that setting, was a violation of the rules of engagement and disrespectful towards the Office of the President of the United States. On the field of battle, when someone violates the rules of engagement there are always consequences – many times mortal. Last Wednesday’s outburst, while not mortal in nature, did do damage. It set a standard of uncivil discourse as acceptable behavior. Behavior that is unbecoming of a veteran and a standing member of Congress.

When Congressman Wilson shouted ‘You lie!’ at President Obama, he also showed a perverse disregard for another important tenet of military training: respect for your commanding officer. Though the President is not in charge of any Member of Congress, the President is the Commander-in-Chief and the Office of the President is due respect. In the military, even in disagreement, we are taught to show superior officers the proper respect during formal occasions. The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of all our countries proud armed forces. That title alone, demands the proper respect that is supposed to be instilled through military training. Either Congressman Wilson never learned or purposely chose to disregard his military training.

For some reasons, they didn’t like the red tape. And Guess What? Other companies are trying to pay back. So who knows, the money allowed may not be needed after all. Good news for the taxpayers.