Before the era of SHARP/SAPR, how was sexual assault handled in the military?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 01:03:29 -0400

This may be an uncomfortable subject for some to talk about, but I believe it will open up a very positive discussion and lead to a wider understanding of how to move forward. Before sexual assault and sexual harassment became "the Army's number one priority" (Carolyn Collins, SHARP Deputy Director 2014), how were issues like this handled?

I think some of the most insightful words may come from retiree SMs; being able to provide some extra insight, having observed the paradigm shift across decades. But I'm sure many other RP users can share their experiences as well. By understanding how the military has moved forward and made the system better, we could use that knowledge to produce even more change.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 27 at 2015 10:16 AM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 10:16:33 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Not always very well but usually more directly than what we see now.
It was largely for the female to defend herself verbally in the terms of 'sexual banter' and just shut down the conversation or reinforce in the Sr NCO and Officer chain to stop the conversation.
When I was a 2LT in the KYNG, I remember walking into the Avionics Platoon area and one of the first conversations was to have all the mechanics take down their Porn/snap-on-tool photos. I was not well liked but it was necessary to change the culture.
I made clear that it was not acceptable and not professional. My catch phrase was 'keep it professional' and that meant if people started 'going blue' or cursing that they need to back off the offensive language or let the issue or event go. I set the expectation that my NCO and soldiers would keep my rules and I held them accountable to it.
In my Command, I had to conduct and have had conducted many 15-6 investigations for various professional or financial issues, but I never had a SA or SH event reported in my units over 29 years.
Bottom line as leaders of service members, we establish the culture and we need to ensure all service members are treated with respect and dignity that all deserve.
Now that I have a wife of 24 years and two daughters, one who could serve, I know I made the correct decisions to change the culture.

Response by PO3 Mack McLendon made May 25 at 2016 12:32 AM

PO3 Mack McLendon — Wed, 25 May 2016 00:32:28 -0400

It was not. I was repeatedly sexually harassed.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 12:38 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 12:38:53 -0400

The year was 1964 that I was a young enlisted E-4 living in a traditional open bay barracks with about 40 or so. Time was around 02:30 when I was awakened by a loud CRASH and colorful, loud comments (swearing, the "F" word and etc). When the lights came on, we could see a very confused looking E-4 laying upside down near a row of clothing lockers and an older, angry E-4 spouting his disgust. Apparently the younger (suspected homosexual) had returned to the barracks fully inebriated and crawled int the elder's bunk (with the elder E-4). Excitement gradually became lights out and back to sleep.
The following Monday morning the younger E-4 was sent for psychological evaluation, after which he quietly (from my perspective) simply disappeared.

Response by PV2 Bob Lube made Jan 27 at 2020 8:03 AM

PV2 Bob Lube — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:03:48 -0500

SGT I got very sick and was hospitalized & was molested while I was in bed and drug by a Sgt male Nurse! in 68! I kicked and screamed until he got off of me, They had to give me a shot to put me to sleep, I got and went to chow & guess who was walking toward me with his tray full of breakfast? I hit him so hard in his eye I knock him out on the floor cold & I walked away like nothing happen back to my bed. I had to see a shrink and all kinds of Drs, for days !! Today I have bad dreams. BUT I went to the VA center were I live filled out the report and now I get 100% of medical Benefits, But every time my sister brought over a new boyfriend I would scare them off or beat them up until she got older! I just told her WHY I did THAT ! And I just told my wife why I keep changing the station when they talk about RAPE. I married my 1st & 2nd wives that were abused or raped, don't ask me why! at the time, protection I guess , My life has been very good But this THING hangs over me for LIFE, Good Luck Bob