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In an attempt to comply with executive orders combating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), both the Navy and the Marine Corps have temporarily paused training related to the prevention of sexual harassment and assault. Such training includes lessons on the nature of consent, as well as how to safely report abuse. This decision comes in the midst of several misconduct scandals within the armed forces. This September, an investigation into the mishandling of sexual assault cases at the United States Coast Guard Academy dubbed Operation Fouled Anchor resulted in a $130 million lawsuit. Last month, Army anesthesiologist, Major Michael Stocktin pleaded guilty to dozens of misconduct charges.
Founded in 2005, The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is considered “the central authority charged with preventing sexual assault in the military”. Since its inception, reports have been on the rise, with approximately 1,700 reported in 2004 and 8,515 in 2023.
From a data-centric standpoint, it is believed that the number of reports has increased as survivors feel more empowered to report the crime committed against them. However, it is also believed that the actual number of cases is higher, as many fear retaliation for reporting, with DOD figures estimating that around 29,000 service members were assaulted in 2023. A 2024 study indicated that sexual assaults are two to four times more prevalent than initially believed, suggesting the actual number is likely to be in the high five figures.
Though most commonly women, men were also victims. Fear of retaliation for reporting is a rational fear, further contributing to this crisis. Among military women who reported an assault in 2018, 51% faced ostracism, 34% faced maltreatment, and 23% faced professional reprisal.
A February 4th directive from the Marine Corps Headquarters “asked the fleet to pause on all Sexual Assault Prevention and Reporting training due to recent changes within the White House to remove diversity, equity and inclusion from all federal policies.” An official Navy statement read: “The Navy is working to fully execute and implement all directives outlined in the Executive Orders issued by the President, ensuring that they are carried out with utmost professionalism, efficiency, and in alignment with national security objectives.”
The Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard are yet to release a statement. It is possible that these programs will be cut entirely, as a January 27th memorandum issued by the Navy listed this program as one to be on the chopping block. It remains unclear why measures to prevent a crime affecting all demographics fall under DEI policies
Elisa Cardnell, chief executive of the Service Women’s Action Network, voiced her concern, asserting, “There’s already a stigma to reporting sexual assault…Any time you take away avenues for people to do that, you add extra stigma to it, or you make it just a women’s issue, you make it more difficult for people to report and for the perpetrators to be held accountable.”
Fear of inadequate protection from sexual violence by coworkers will likely hurt recruitment, especially among women. As the recruitment crisis rages on, and the world grows increasingly volatile, it is imperative to have an abundant fighting force that is not hindered by an epidemic of sex crimes and fear of reporting.
(Featured image by Sgt. 1st Class James Braswell)
