Military’s sexual-assault problem has deep roots

[wercal]

1. This part rang very true to me:

“Having a sexual assault case in your unit is considered something bad, so commanders have had an incredible incentive not to destroy their own careers by prosecuting someone.”

The first line 'prosecutor' of criminal acts is really the Company Commander...after that is the Battalion Commander, and Brigade Commander. Every one of these men is in a highly competitive environment for promotion...and any type of criminal case will ultimately make them look bad, as their 'command climate' will be questioned.

I have seen something as serious as suspicious deaths get swept under the carpet as accidents and suicides, without investigation.

BTW, I was in an all male unit, so I don't have alot of experience with sexual assaults, and frankly I never thought it was a problem...but I can see how allegations would get squashed.