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Perception is reality

For the first time in its history, the Air Force has disciplined a former chief of staff.

Secretary Michael Donley issued a letter of admonishment to retired Gen. T. Michael Moseley for accepting gifts from a friend whose company eventually won a $50 million contract to promote the Thunderbirds.

Moseley disputes that he did anything wrong, telling Air Force Times that his friend’s company never had the inside track — it just looked that way.

That, however, is precisely the issue: The Air Force’s top officer has to know that perception in such matters is reality. Even a hint of conflict of interest tarnishes the institution.

Moseley did not have a direct role in awarding the Thunderbirds contract, but he created a problem for himself by drawing his judgment into question, not only about accepting the gifts, but also in communications using government e-mail that blurred the lines between friendship and business.

The Thunderbirds contract, awarded in 2005, was canceled the next year following a protest by a competing bidder.

It took three years for a slow-moving Defense Department inspector general investigation to finally be completed. In the meantime, Defense Secretary Robert Gates fired Moseley for other reasons.

Regardless, however, it should stand as a cautionary tale to all officers: Even the appearance of impropriety is damaging. Absolute firewalls must be maintained between one’s personal and professional lives.