Sexual Harassment Crisis at Military Academies: Alarming Rise in Unwanted Contact
A new study released by the office of the undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness (USD P&R) has revealed a concerning increase in the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault at military service academies. The study highlights that without significant changes to management and culture, these incidents will continue to rise.
Since 2020, the number of cadets and midshipmen experiencing unwanted sexual contact and sexual harassment at the service academies has spiked. On average, over 20% of women and 4% of men have reported such incidents. Shockingly, the study also found an increase in the number of incoming midshipmen and cadets reporting incidents of sexual assault and harassment in the years before they entered an academy.
According to Beth Foster, the executive director for force resiliency at USD P&R, the training environment and overall climate at the academies are undermining their ability to prevent harmful behaviors. This comprehensive study has shed light on the urgent need for change.
In response to the alarming findings, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered the head of each academy to have a plan of action in place to implement the study’s recommendations by October 31. The Pentagon reported the dramatic uptick in reported harassment and assault in March, which prompted Austin to request this study.
Even the Coast Guard Academy has faced its share of incidents involving sexual assault and harassment, with a report in June revealing that some of these incidents were covered up by academy leadership.
The report recommends changes to the leadership structure at the academies, particularly an end to the practice of allowing upperclassmen to have authority over underclassmen without the supervision of seasoned military leaders. This lack of oversight has contributed to hazing and a failure to prioritize the well-being of students over disciplinary action.
Andra Tharp, the senior prevention advisor for the office of force resiliency, gave an example that highlighted the detrimental effects of such a leadership structure. She recounted a story of a cadet who sought counseling after experiencing a family tragedy but was denied permission to leave academy grounds due to a minor violation committed by the student’s unit. This incident not only deprived the cadet of the support they needed, but it also sent a message that prioritized discipline over care.
While there were common themes in the cultures of the three service academies, the report also acknowledged that each institution had unique problems. At the Air Force Academy, senior cadets exerted excessive control over underclassmen, leading to mistreatment and hazing. The Naval Academy lacked leadership training for peer leaders, resulting in a replication of unhealthy treatment. Cadets at West Point expressed a desire for the kind of leadership they experienced during field training with seasoned officers.
The report’s recommendations include improving access to mental health care, hiring more prevention personnel, and enhancing the peer leadership structure. Additionally, a service academy climate transformation task force should be established by August 25 to provide feedback on the progress of changes and new programs. Regular surveys and prevention self-assessments are also advised to monitor the academies’ progress.
Implementing these actions is crucial not only for the well-being of cadets and midshipmen but also for their development as future military leaders. It is essential for the readiness of the units they will eventually command. By addressing the root causes and fostering a culture of respect and support, the military academies can work towards preventing sexual harassment and assault and creating a safer environment for all.
