Sexual Assault

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Sexual Assault in the Military

Sexual assault against women in the U.S. military is a problem that continues to be brought to the forefront. This is because there is a culture which encourages and allows it to occur. The result is that women are traumatized by these events and some will look for other opportunities elsewhere. This hurts the combat readiness of all units. To address these issues, a zero tolerance policy needs to be implemented. This will change attitudes and it will lead to an increase in actions that are supporting the most core values. Over the course of time, this will improve professionalism and flexibility. On the modern day battlefield, these attributes are necessary for prevailing against an adversary who is using changing tactics and weapons. This is when the U.S. military can continue to maintain its dominance and serve a positive force for change.

Introduction

The U.S. military prides itself on professionalism and the ability to adjust with the changes in society. It has traditionally been at the forefront of these shifts by encouraging integration and desegregation of its units. This serves as an example to society surrounding positive contributions it makes in these areas. However, these images are being tarnished by a string of sexual assaults in every single branch of the service. In response, the Pentagon is conducting investigations and disciplining a number of individuals. In spite of these actions, the total amount sexual assaults continue to remain stubbornly high. To fully understand what is happening requires focusing on the effects of sexual assault, the causes and recommendations. Together, these elements will illustrate the scope of the problem and the solutions for addressing it. (Monahan, 2011)

The effects of sexual assault in the military

The Women Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 opens the door for women to permanently serve as members of the military. Since its passages, more women are signing up, serving in high ranking positions and playing an active role in hazardous operations. Never before has the U.S. military been so integrated. On the surface, these transitions are benefiting everyone by integrating different personalities, skills, experiences and mindsets to achieve critical objectives. In an era when the combat ready warfare is constantly changing, women are enhancing its flexibility to adjust to new threats and tactics. (Monahan, 2011)

For example, a study that was conducted by Pew Research found that the total number of women in serving in the military increased from 42 thousand (in 1973) to 167 thousand (in 2010). The total number who served in combat is 15%. This is lower in comparison with their male counterparts (which is 35%). These figures are showing that more women are serving in a variety of roles. (Patten, 2011)

However, the reality is that there a sub-culture which refuses to see women as their equals. This is when many are humiliated and often the target of sexual harassment and assaults. Over the long-term, these experiences can have a negative impact upon them. Anytime there is some kind of sexual assault, there is the possibility of lingering effects. This is because the person is traumatized by what happened and forced to relive certain them. (Monahan, 2011)

In the case of women who serve in the military, these issues are more complicated. This is from them feeling the personal sense of violence when someone engages in actions to take something. During the process, they are showing their control and letting the victim know who is in charge. These actions create feelings of helplessness in a community where everyone is supposed to have a sense of shared values. The result is that women will often suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is brought about from the lingering effects of trauma that happens to someone. In all cases, the individual is reliving these events and will react to what they perceive is happening to them. In some situations, this can result in violence directed at loved ones, friends, family, the general public and law enforcement. While at other times, the individual will become more withdrawn and suffer from extreme forms of depression. (Monahan, 2011)

In the case of women, they are more likely to develop PTSD. What increases the odds of it occurring are a number of factors to include: past mental health issues, severe / life threatening trauma, sexual assault, injuries during an event, the lack of social support and stressful incidents after them. Commenting about these shifts, the VA found that women are placed in situations where they are exposed to greater amounts of danger and will go through additional challenges (i.e. sexual assault and harassment) with them saying, "Women in the military are at high risk for exposure to traumatic events, especially during times of war.

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Currently, about 15% of all military personnel in Iraq are women. Although men are more likely to experience combat, a growing number of women are now being exposed to combat. Women in the military are at higher risk for exposure to sexual harassment or sexual assault than men." ("Women, Trauma and PTSD," 2014) These observations are showing that women are more than likely to develop PTSD.

However, their underlying symptoms are hidden beneath the surface. In these situations, women are more likely to show signs of their condition differently. The most noble include: irritability, depression, extreme mood swings and pent up anger. These variables will have an impact on their ability to cope with the world around them and overcome past experiences. ("Women, Trauma and PTSD," 2014) In many cases, the effects are often ignored. This is because men are more dominant in the military. At the same time, women are more than likely to remain silent about these issues. Once this happens, is the point the severity of their illness will become worse. (Monahan, 2011)

The results are that more women are less likely to join. This is because they are fearful of what could happen to them. For the U.S. military, these issues are problematic as they will not attract the best candidates. Instead, they will only have a certain group of individuals who embrace a specific mindset, values and attitudes. In many ways, one could argue that this hurts combat readiness and the ability to adjust to a host of threats. (Monahan, 2011)

For example, one the problems with many third world military forces are the lack of professionalism. This is because they attract a limited pool within society who shares their beliefs. However, the majority are afraid to speak out based upon fears of retribution. This is what occurs in countries where the military only supports certain demographics of the population. When they enter combat against a more professional force, the chances of prevailing on the battlefield decline significantly. The U.S. military needs to learn from these organizations and prevent specific sub-cultures from developing within. This is how it can maintain its ability to evolve with a host of shifting threats. (Monahan, 2011)

The root cause of sexual assault in the military

According to a study that was conducted by the Justice Department, it found that the total number of sexual assaults is 20%. This is similar to others which analyzed society in general (which are reading 19%). In this case, there are similarities in the attitudes about the changing roles of women. ("Doubts of Military's Sexual Assault Stats," 2014) These figures are showing that women are not treated equally from a refusal to change views about them and what they are capable of doing.

A good example of this can be seen with insights from Rosen (2014) who said, "Many young women who join the military are idealistic, patriotic and ambitious. The military promises education, training, a possible career and the adventure of deploying to foreign lands. Even though military life requires serious sacrifices, most believe that the American military's Uniform Code of Justice is fair and equitable. Then reality upends their lives. Male colleagues subject them to humiliating initiation rituals and grope their breasts and bottoms. Three soldiers' gang rape a female soldier. A commanding officer holds down a woman as he threatens her with a charge of adultery -- which would end her military career and send her to prison -- if she tells anyone." (Rosen, 2014) This is showing how a pervasive culture exists inside many units. The result is that women are often targeted and frequently abused. To prevent this, the military needs to change the culture. This requires drastic action that will address these issues over the long-term.

Recommendations

The U.S. military does have polices to deal with sexual assault and harassment. The most notable include: DoD Directive (DoDD) 6495.01, the Universal Code of Military Justice and section 113 of title 10, United States Code. In these situations, there are specific orders and rules which prohibit any kind of inappropriate sexual conduct within the military. Those who do are: subject to arrest, court martial and criminal prosecution. The fact that this is unreported is showing….....

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