588 Soldiers Removed After Sex Assault Review

SFC Anabel Cepero — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:18:43 -0500

I'm glad that they are finally hammering down on this, but to know that these Soldiers were put in these positions and are now just getting reviewed is worrisome. What are your thoughts on this?
 
 
<A href="http://news.yahoo.com/sexual-assaults-army-removing-588-soldiers-positions-trust-002742303.html">http://news.yahoo.com/sexual-assaults-army-removing-588-soldiers-positions-trust-002742303.html</A>
 
<A href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/26/588-soldiers-removed-after-sex-assault-review.html">http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/26/588-soldiers-removed-after-sex-assault-review.html</A>

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 28 at 2014 10:24 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:24:15 -0500

My only thought is, if these individuals have already been identified by name, why are they still in uniform?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 28 at 2014 12:37 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 12:37:14 -0500

Assuming the evaluations were done to regs and standards, I agree 100% with this move and though I appreciate the delicate nature of this decision, I wish it could have happened sooner.  But I am content nonetheless.  Offenders of sex assaults have no place in our ranks, period -- even if we are at the height of 2 wars going on at the same time like we were a few years ago.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 1:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:24:27 -0500

I'm surprised there weren't more.

The reason most of these Soldiers are still in is cause these happened while the Army needed people and let a lot of stuff go, unlike the past 2-3 years.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 1:28 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:28:00 -0500

I am just glad the Army is pushing to separate them fast.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 1:38 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:38:58 -0500

Those are a lot of Soldiers, but keep in mind, they came from differing positions and were removed for various infractions. It is quite scary to think that if this many were caught, one way or another, how many more got away or are getting away. These are just the ones with some type of paper trail. Many more are so much more sneakier or got away by default (possible lack of evidence, which does not necessarily equate to innocence).

Response by SFC Charles Kolker made Feb 28 at 2014 1:40 PM

SFC Charles Kolker — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:40:51 -0500

Zero Tolerance. Especially with the Soldiers in question. The positions that they were entrusted with are of the utmost importance in the Army. These people were Drill Sergeants, Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Recruiters.

This is another reason why we have such a bad retention rate of good Soldiers. Good for the Army to cut loose such wasteful baggage. Such conduct is NOT in accordance with the Army Values.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 4:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 16:13:32 -0500

Both my professional take on this as the Installation SHARP Victim Advocate for DLIFLC, and my personal opinion align: it is about time! These are not minor infractions and those who commit them do not deserve to be Soldiers. On top of that, what I find scary is the fact that many of these individuals were leaders with influence over other Soldiers! I understand that people make mistakes, but these types of crimes go above and beyond what should be tolerated. We need to make sure that we retain the best and brightest, and I am glad the Army is doing something about it!

Response by Sgt Eben Osgood made Mar 4 at 2014 11:06 AM

Sgt Eben Osgood — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 11:06:28 -0500

Sexual assault is inexcusable, period. We receive annual classes on what is sexual assault, and any violation of this should be handled with a zero-tolerance mentality. This being one of the few areas where zero-tolerance should be implemented.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 4 at 2014 11:33 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 11:33:12 -0500

This reminds me of an NCO who was taken down a pay grade through UCMJ for committing a cruel and unusual act on another NCO of which was borderline sexual harassment. As a SPC with a bar to reenlistment he went to the 1SG and asked to reenlist and the 1SG told him no. His bar stayed, and the 1SG told him he did not want SMs like him to be in the military and taking up a slot when another SM with a clear and clean record can take his spot.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Oct 22 at 2014 5:56 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 05:56:27 -0400

IT'S ABOUT TIME!