'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and the War on Sexual Violence

[William769]

Americans barely old enough to vote enter the service and put their lives on the line, facing gunfire, bombs, capture, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and all of the things us civvies are too happy to avoid. And many of them do this in extreme conditions, on a daily basis, for months at a time, sometimes for decades over their careers.

But in addition to the extreme conditions of war, servicewomen face a dire threat from their colleagues. An estimated 26,000 sexual assaults occurred in the ranks just in 2012. So the number of service members sexually assaulted last year exceeds the number who could sell out Madison Square Garden for a New York Knicks game.

And, let's face it, there is a very high likelihood that those service members are women.

Since September 11, 2001, which changed our lives as Americans forever, things for women in the military have progressed. Female troops can work on submarines and enter combat alongside men, allowing them to earn stars for their shoulders. Women make up only about 14% of military personnel, but a third of all "don't ask, don't tell" discharges were for female troops. Lifting the ban on gay service members was an inherent win for military women.

http://www.advocate.com/commentary/2013/06/11/op-ed-dont-ask-dont-tell-and-war-sexual-violence

[redqueen]

1. K&R

I was just reading an article on Jezebel about a recent failure to sufficiently address some disturbing actions by members of West Point's rugby team. If that's the culture where the future leaders of the military are coming from, it's little wonder this issue has lingered for so long.

[William769]

2. I agree whole heartedly.

Until Woman are in more Position of authority throughout the military, it's academies And the U.S. Government, it will be a slow process.

I have always thought for awhile now that men have had to many positions of authority and it's hight time to let women have the chance to lead.

[redqueen]

4. I agree, and so do many people around the world.

In many countries, political parties are adopting voluntary quotas of female candidates to try to balance the leadership out between the sexes. Results are mixed but I have to give them credit for trying to change things, since time alone hasn't served to change things much at all.

[xchrom]

3. Du rec. Nt

[BainsBane]

5. kick

[MadrasT]

6. K&R

Thanks