US defense minister : Sexual assault in the Military must be put to an end

on Wednesday, May 29, 2013


Chuck Hagel, the US defense secretary, addressed the cadets of the West Point US military academy that the rising sexual assault must be stamped out of the military force.

A day before, President Obama had delivered a similar speech to the graduates from the US Navy. These are increasing reports about sexual assaults and misconducts happening in the Military services. The scrutiny is now centralized at West Point because an army sergeant was recently put under a lot of speculation for secretly videotaping girls.

Hagel stated “Sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military are a profound betrayal of sacred oaths and sacred trusts,”. He also added “This scourge must be stamped out.”

Hagel reminisced about the time when he served in the military in Vietnam. He said that they should take what the army teaches them and put it for use in transforming the military to a better place rather than embarrassing it. This was Hagel’s first speech at a graduation ceremony after he took the place as the Defense Chief.

He encouraged the graduates to be an example for the coming generation of soldiers by putting an end to the strong and persisting threat of suicide, alcohol and drug abuse. They should pave the way for building the volunteered force.

Hagel was wounded twice during his one year at war and was awarded two purple hearts. He was the only man to become the defense secretary after serving only in the enlisted corps. The former Republican Senator became the Chief of Pentagon last February.

He continued his speed by saying that the future army cadets should get over the wounds caused by the long war against Iran and Afghanistan. They should be ready for any future wars even if the setback on the budget has reduced their training along with their workforce. He encouraged them to be strong as any kind of social issue hinders the army’s performance.

Recent reports state that there is a drastic increase of 6% in the number of sexual assault case in the military. More than 800 women only wanted help in recovery, and failed to give a statement or file a case against the assault.

Sergeant First Class Michael McClendon, the one under speculation in West Point is charged for numerous offenses such as mistreatment, entering the women’s bathroom without notice, possessing inappropriate pictures and video of a dozen women in the West Point Academy. He was sent to Fort Drum New York after being charged for these violations on 14, May, 2013. All women in the military were informed of this.

Martin Demsey, Joint chief of staff has named this issue as a big crisis, and also stated that the women are losing their confidence about winning this particular battle.



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