So, where do we draw the line as to what is permissible and what is not?
It was only a little riot...
or
No one was killed...
or
I only blew a .08...
Today all the services are forcing folks out who have been pretty good performers; both Officer and Enlisted. If the Army wants to drop this guy for participating in a riot, that's their call.
So, while the military is willing to discard people quickly, I would say our society is not looking to discard folks. We are actually quiet forgiving when folks make mistakes. If you own up to your mistakes, society will generally give you a pass. Look at how the media has treated steriod users who fessed up as compared to those who haven't. Look at Charlie Sheen, he's the poster boy for saying your sorry, getting another chance and screwing it up again.