The Forgotten Soldiers

Recently, I read an article by Moni Basu on cnn.com about rape and suicide in the military, and how those two unfortuante events are the high-profile problems that are plaguing the military. The article profiled Jack Williams, a former member of the Air Force, that was raped three times by his assistant drill sergeant almost 50 years ago. Williams, like many others after hum, kept this a secret for years and even looked to suicide for a solution for the pain that internally dealt with.

When it comes to sexual assaults, many automatically assume that it pertains to just women. Though women make up only about 15% of the active-duty force and account for 47% of sexual victims - men, who make up most of the Military's sexual assault cases are less likely to report their assaults. A survey held by The Pentagon, found that 13,900 male victims, but 76% of men victims do not file complaint.

Unfortunately, the victims of sexual assaults and rapes do have a direct correlation with the large amount of suicide attempts by former servicemen and women. A study by Craig Bryan, a former Air Force psychologist, shows that military victims of violent assault or rape were six times more likely to attempt suicide that non victims. This shows that the government should try to become more educated on this particular subject, and be proactive in being preventive of these suicide attempts, by those who feel as though it is the right thing to do.

Recently, more attention has been given to the matter, as past victims has come together trying to get Congress to pass legislation -- known as the STOP Act -- that would take the reporting, investigation, prosecution and oversight of sexual assault cases out of the chain of command and place it under the jurisdiction of an autonomous oversight committee. This will give the victims a fair chance to obtain justice, as it takes away the leverage military has with command officer's authority.

I think it is important that this particualr aspect of military life continues to gain attention, and more assitance is given to those victims. Especially with men, who feel as though it is a sign of weakness to admit to the action occuring to them and think it is best to keep it within. With them becoming people who only do what they are instructed, it is much easier for them to become victims.