Biden to enact military justice reforms via executive order.
President Biden Signs Executive Order Implementing Military Justice Reforms
President Joe Biden will sign an executive order on Friday that brings about significant changes to the military justice system. These reforms, previously passed by Congress, aim to address serious crimes such as sexual assault, ethnic violence, child abuse, and murder.
The order will amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice, a set of rules established in 1950. One of the key changes is the transfer of decision-making authority from commanders to specialized and independent military prosecutors. This shift ensures that cases involving the aforementioned crimes are handled by professionals with expertise in these areas.
Independent Prosecutors and Decisions
The new Offices of Special Trial Counsel have already been established for each service branch. However, they will not assume authority for prosecutorial decisions until Dec. 27. These decisions will be completely independent of the chain of command, ensuring impartiality and fairness.
This executive order is a result of the fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which incorporated recommendations from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military. It is a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issue of sexual violence within the military.
Continued Efforts to Combat Sexual Assault
Despite years of activism and legislative efforts, sexual violence remains a persistent problem in the military. However, Friday’s executive order represents a major victory for advocates and lawmakers who have been fighting for change.
The Defense Department’s Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military for fiscal 2022, released in April, revealed a concerning increase in sexual assault reports. There were 8,942 reports filed from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sept. 30, 2022, a 1% increase from the previous fiscal year. The report also highlighted a 13% increase in 2021 compared to the previous year.
While the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force saw increases in reports, the Army was the only branch to report a decrease, with a 9% decline. The efforts to combat sexual assault and harassment within the military remain a top priority for senior leaders in the Department of Defense.
Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized the commitment to addressing this issue, stating, “Sexual violence will not be tolerated, condoned, or ignored within our ranks.” The executive order signed by President Biden is a significant step towards creating a safer and more just military environment.
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