Lloyd Austin mandates reforms at military academies due to surge in sexual misconduct.
Secretary of Defense Calls for Reforms to Military Service Academies
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is taking action to address harmful and illegal behaviors that are on the rise at military service academies. In response to the findings of the 2023 Military Service Academy OSIE Report, Austin sent a memo to top DOD officials outlining the need for reforms.
Urgent Changes Needed
Austin emphasized the urgent need for military service academies to address issues such as sexual assault and harassment. He expressed concern over the increasing occurrence of these crimes, stating that it endangers the safety of team members and undermines readiness.
“They have far more work to do to halt sexual assault and harassment,” Austin wrote. “Data continue to suggest that the occurrence of these crimes is trending upward. That is disturbing and unacceptable. It endangers our teammates and degrades our readiness.”
Problematic Culture
The OSIE Report highlighted a problematic culture within the academies, including bullying, hazing, and isolation. The report also noted that the concept of a “zero tolerance” policy is contradicted by a perceived lack of accountability through the military justice process and other means of addressing inappropriate behaviors.
Immediate Action Required
In his memo, Austin called for the leaders of each military department to develop a plan of action by Oct. 31, 2023. This plan should include the implementation of immediate-term recommendations, such as providing cadets and midshipmen with the time and privacy to seek mental healthcare from professionals and encouraging the use of available resources. Another immediate recommendation is to expedite the hiring of prevention personnel.
Concerning Findings
The decision to conduct OSIEs at the military service academies was made after concerning findings emerged from a Department of Defense survey on unwanted sexual contact. The survey revealed that during the 2021-2022 academic year, an estimated 21.4% of women and 4.4% of men cadets and midshipmen experienced unwanted sexual contact, marking the highest prevalence rates since 2006.
According to Beth Foster, the executive director of the Office of Force Resiliency, these numbers are “extremely disappointing and upsetting.” The DOD estimated that 1,136 students at military institutions were victims of unwanted sexual contact during the 2022 school year, while only 155 individuals reported such incidents.
Secretary Austin’s call for reforms aims to address these alarming trends and create a safer and more accountable environment within the military service academies.
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