Veterans
Related: About this forumLackland Rape Scandal Shines Spotlight On Military Failure
by Jesse Ellison Jul 16, 2012 11:40 PM EDT
The cases first court-martial shines a spotlight on the militarys zero-tolerance failure.
On Monday, Air Force Sergeant Luis Walker (faced) a court-martial in Texasthe first case in the militarys biggest sexual assault scandal in 16 years, and one that is shining a harsh spotlight on the militarys supposed "zero-tolerance" policy toward sex offenders.
In the year since Walker was first accused of rape, an internal investigation has discovered 31 more victims, at least five other instructors have been charged with rape or inappropriate relations with female trainees, and 35 more have been removed from their positions pending investigations. Walker has been charged with multiple counts of rape and aggravated sexual assault.
...
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
In a phone interview with The Daily Beast, (U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-CA) called the similarities between the Lackland case and Aberdeen chilling, and expressed her frustration with repeated but seemingly empty calls for zero-tolerance. She estimated that half a million people have been sexually assaulted while serving in the U.S. military. You have sexual predators that are on the prowl, she said. Im sick of the excuses.
...
The militarys emphasis on hierarchy and authority means that many officers are more inclined to protect the institution than the victim, says Elizabeth Hillman, president of the National Institute for Military Justice. Look at Penn State, she says. What happened there is just what happened in the Catholic Church and the U.S. military.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/07/16/lackland-rape-scandal-shines-spotlight-on-military-failure.html
Woman testifies that Texas Air Force instructor sexually assaulted her in office
By Associated Press, Published: July 16 | Updated: Tuesday, July 17, 3:31 PMAP
SAN ANTONIO Fighting back tears, a woman testified Tuesday that a Texas Air Force base instructor facing charges in a widening military sex scandal refused her pleas of no after luring her into his office and then sexually assaulted her on a bed
...
She was the first of 10 alleged victims who are to testify at Walkers court-martial at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. The Associated Press typically doesnt identify alleged sexual assault victims.
Walker is among 12 instructors at the Lackland base who are facing charges or being investigated. His charges 28 counts, including rape, aggravated sexual contact and multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault are the most serious in the case. He faces up to life in prison and a dishonorable discharge if convicted by a seven-person jury comprised of military personnel.
...
During opening statements earlier Tuesday, one of the prosecutors, Maj. Patricia Gruen, described Walker as a consummate predator and a wolf in sheeps clothing. She said as a military instructor, he was responsible for helping mold recruits into airmen but abused his authority.
He used (his power) so he could gain sexual favors, Gruen said. He used it as a way to get his way with trainees.
...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/opening-statements-delayed-in-court-martial-of-air-force-sergeant-in-texas-base-sex-scandal/2012/07/16/gJQA80UgpW_story.html
Skittles
(152,963 posts)they would be DEAD
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)And the same goes for DoD's military departments that have failed so miserably in addressing the problem.
I'm with Jackie Speiers, who wants investigations of these crimes that will be wholly independent of the command structure.
gejohnston
(17,502 posts)Their chain of command is completely separate from the wing or base. Or are you talking about outside of the DoD structure as a whole?
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)AFOSI became invoved in this case only because of the scandalously-broad scope of the problem at Lackland.
I believe Speiers' bill calls for an independent investigative unit within DoD or within each branch, staffed with military and civilian professionals with qualifications and experience in dealing with these kinds of crimes.
gejohnston
(17,502 posts)or security police and file a criminal complaint. Of course a trainee would not know that. AFOSI's chain of command is entirely separate from the base. Their personnel records are not even kept at the based they are stationed at.
WooWooWoo
(454 posts)than you do for raping someone.