Sexually Harassed Soldier Charged With Refusing To Return To Iraq

[kpete]

Soldier charged for refusing to go to Iraq with unit
By Hal Bernton

Seattle Times staff reporter

A Fort Lewis soldier who says that sexual offenses by three superiors left her unwilling to return to Iraq was charged by the Army with missing a troop movement and being absent without leave.

The charges announced Wednesday against Spc. Suzanne Swift, 22, carry the risk of a court-martial trial and imprisonment. But Army officials also are considering less severe actions, such as a restriction of privileges or a letter of reprimand and discharge.

"The chain of command hasn't decided how to proceed," said Sgt. Maj. Yolanda Choates. "This is the first step in the process."

Swift's military-police unit departed for Iraq in January, but Swift opted to go absent without leave. She attracted national attention as she was arrested at her mother's home in Eugene, Ore., amid allegations that she had been coerced into a sexual relationship with her platoon sergeant during a 2004 tour of duty in Iraq, and he retaliated against her after she quit the relationship.

more:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003279029_courtmartial28m.html

[Captain Hilts]

1. The military is not a Democracy.

You surrender a lot of rights when you sign up.

[efhmc]

3. The right to not be sexually harassment is not a freedom one gives up by

joining the military.

[efhmc]

2. When I was in Crawford in August, there was a group that went to Ft.

Hood to picket this action and who also provided a number for soldiers to call for help if they had legal or other needs. Can someone post that number?