The U.S. military has stepped up investigations of high-ranking officers for sexual assault, records show, curtailing its traditional deference toward senior leaders as it cracks down on sex crimes.
Since September, the armed forces have court-martialed or filed sexual-assault charges against four colonels from the Air Force, Army and Marines. In addition, a Navy captain was found guilty of abusive sexual contact during an administrative hearing.
Historically, it has been extremely rare for senior military officers to face courts-martial. Leaders suspected of wrongdoing are usually dealt with behind the scenes, with offenders receiving private reprimands or removal from command with a minimum of public explanation.
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WNU Editor: Even with this increase in investigations and convictions, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand still believes that these crimes are under-reported .... Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: Pentagon is withholding sex crimes information (AP). What's my take .... the culture is changing .... the younger generation finds this behaviour completely unacceptable, and are far more vocal in denouncing it. Case in point .... a week ago I got into a political conversation with my friend's kids (and their friends) who are in their early 20s on Bill Clinton's sexual behaviour before and during his Presidency. Many in my generation (I am in my 50s) were disgusted with his behaviour, but many also gave Bill Clinton a pass when he was President. The difference with today's generation .... no one will give Bill Clinton a pass, and many .... when they learned how Hillary Clinton targeted Bill Clinton's accusers for ridicule .... are turned-off on her. As I said .... this generation has a different point of view.