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Sexual assault and harassment are persistent issues in the
military, despite robust training initiatives and requirements. In this essay,
we will explore the reasons behind the persistence of gender stereotyping and
rape myths in the army, the risks associated with sexual misconduct, and the
necessary training approaches to minimize the vice.
Gender stereotyping and rape myths are deeply ingrained in military culture,
which emphasizes masculine ideals such as aggression, dominance, risk-taking,
and self-sufficiency. This culture contributes to the deficiencies in
understanding and knowledge regarding sexual assault and harassment, especially
for male soldiers. With only a small percentage of women in active duty and on
reserve and guard, the behavior of male soldiers comes as no surprise.
Current training approaches have failed to minimize the risks associated with
sexual assault. Despite robust initiatives and requirements, little progress has
been made in preventing sexual misconduct in the military. One major challenge
is the fear of retaliation and adverse effects of reporting the crime. Victims
often refrain from reporting or seeking help due to the fear that leadership
will do nothing. Furthermore, victims may face an invasion of privacy, blame,
retaliation, and incredulous questioning resulting in secondary victimization.
To end sexual assault in the army, there is a need to change the command culture
and climate within the military. The U.S. government has implemented the
Bipartisan Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act, which
aims to create a fair, impartial, and accountable military justice system.
Additional prevention measures are being implemented to change how the military
prosecutes and moves about sexual assault and harassment.
Training validity and quality and preventive measures to address sexual assault
require a major overhaul. Men and women have the same rights serving in the
army, and achieving equality in both genders starts by changing the patriarchal
structure that fosters sexual assault. The army needs to focus on creating a
culture of mutual respect and understanding. It needs to be emphasized that
sexual assault is not a measure of prevalence, but a criminal act that has
severe consequences. By creating a culture that discourages gender stereotyping
and rape myths, the army can take a major step in minimizing the risks
associated with sexual misconduct.
In conclusion, gender stereotyping and rape myths contribute to the persistence
of sexual assault and harassment in the military. The current training
approaches have failed to minimize the risks associated with sexual misconduct.
A major overhaul is needed to improve the training quality, address the fear of
retaliation, and create a culture of mutual respect and understanding. The
implementation of the Bipartisan Military Justice Improvement and Increasing
Prevention Act is a step in the right direction towards ending sexual assault
and harassment in the military. |
