Can someone explain why soldiers are banned from watching porn down range?

2018-06-26T19:46:28-04:00

If sexual assault is such a problem in the Army, and military as a whole, why would you stop soldiers from being able to get out their urges as easily as possible when they already can't have sex for 9 months? I understand local laws, but we've invaded these countries... We're breaking plenty of local laws.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jun 26 at 2018 7:55 PM

2018-06-26T19:55:19-04:00

Interesting question !

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 7:57 PM

2018-06-26T19:57:18-04:00

Because Army...

Response by PV2 Robert H. made Jun 26 at 2018 8:06 PM

2018-06-26T20:06:42-04:00

Because even though we invaded and now occupy, that doesn't mean the US Military doesn't have to play politics with the government that owns the place.

Not to mention that if they allow it, and then a service member ends up getting cought with it when it's still illegal then they have to negotiate with the police to release the service member. Trouble that can be avoided by disallowing it in the first place.

Do I agree they should be allowed to "entertain" themselves. However I, as many boys learned, that task is possible WITHOUT the help of video/photographic aid.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 26 at 2018 8:12 PM

2018-06-26T20:12:58-04:00

We don't want ether bunnies downrange.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 8:20 PM

2018-06-26T20:20:46-04:00

I have to admit that I am bothered and disappointed that you are equating sexual assault with a lack of ability to find sexual relief in situations such as deployments.

Perhaps you need to revisit SHARP training. Sexual assault is about folks who use sex in a manner that gives them a sense of power and control.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 26 at 2018 8:43 PM

2018-06-26T20:43:03-04:00

BLUF: Cultural laws and norms of the locations US service members are at..

Sometimes it is part of the status of forces agreements (if we have one) and sometimes it is a internal CofS, DA, or service chief decision due to Cultural laws and norms they want to adhere to as a give and take of what we need, vice what they want. More so when we work in a combined (US and other country forces) environment including the host nation..

That it is unpopular or denying an entertainment want of a service member is not part of the equation.
That you think watching porn will stop sexual attacks or harassment is very telling of your not understanding sexual assault.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-06-26T21:37:02-04:00

I think someone has not paid attention in any SHARP briefings ever. I can't believe you are stating that sexual assault happens because some people can't quell their sexual urges. So explain to me why sexual assault happens stateside where people can watch porn if that's all it takes to stop sexual assault...

You need to go have a serious talk with your SARC or a civilian victim advocate or talk to some sexual assault survivors. Sexual assault and rape are NOT about sex. Ever. It's about power and control.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jun 26 at 2018 11:20 PM

2018-06-26T23:20:41-04:00

Obviously the reason you can't watch porn is that you could go blind.

Response by SPC Jovani Daviu made Jun 26 at 2018 11:47 PM

2018-06-26T23:47:41-04:00

This guy is in uniform but they won't let me re-enlist! What a shame...

Response by SGT Brent Scott made Jun 27 at 2018 12:59 AM

2018-06-27T00:59:40-04:00

Governmental bureaucracy and stupid ass rules

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 2:45 AM

2018-06-27T02:45:29-04:00

I can see alot of "great" seniors here who, instead of answering the question, personally attack lower enlisted. You're all probably the number one problem with retention.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Jun 27 at 2018 6:21 AM

2018-06-27T06:21:22-04:00

Seriously? If you're on an OP, especially deployed in Indian country, (No offense to anyone, an old Vietnam term for where the bad guys lurk), your mind had better be on the mission, not your junk.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Jun 27 at 2018 7:32 AM

2018-06-27T07:32:26-04:00

Mission first. sex later what kind of Army do you think we are in trying being deployed two times with all male unit.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 8:04 AM

2018-06-27T08:04:36-04:00

It's about where we work and who we work with overseas. Regardless of the harsh realities of war (and in particular, non-conventional warfare), our overriding "mission" in these regions is stabilization via the support of "moderate" governments. Many of the officers I worked with in the ANA were former Mujahideen-meaning they were still fundamentalist...just of a different sort than those wanting to kill both them and us. Ostensibly, we wanted to earn their respect and trust ever bit as much as demonstrating the fact that things were going to go our way, one way or the other. I even made morning prayers with my 'Terps...you wouldn't believe how that positively influenced mutual trust with these guys.

That said, it was and is a long standing joke that if you send an Afghan to the U.S., the first thing they'll want is a trip to the strip club. I had a very senior ANA officer offer me a shot of whiskey once...good stuff too (yes, I respectfully declined). We didn't have but a few females that ever made it down our way...but we advised all of them to never go to the ANA side alone (which wasn't really a good idea for us either). Anyone who's been close to the Pak border has heard of "Chinese Restaurants", and anyone who knows the Pashtun has heard of other abuses.

Hypocrisy is a multi-cultural experience.

Now, all of that aside, and without incriminating anyone, all I'll say is that during the course of a year downrange, I don't recall anyone getting NJP for porn use. Maybe we were all good boys, maybe some people were just good at E&E; who knows?

Beyond that, my own little bit of free "life advice" is that like any other addiction, porn has a sting in its tail.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 8:28 AM

2018-06-27T08:28:08-04:00

Watch out everybody. The easily offendable are about to come out of the woodwork on this one. Who is the most offended...ready go!

Response by Barry Davidson made Jun 27 at 2018 8:55 AM

2018-06-27T08:55:29-04:00

Leaving aside that rape and sexual harassment isn't about "sex"...

Sorry, but because those are your orders. If the CIC, JCOS, SecDef, CO, or your NCOIC want you to stand on your head on duty then you'll say, "yes (insert proper term of respect here)," and stand on your head while on duty.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 9:04 AM

2018-06-27T09:04:08-04:00

In my trips to Iraq and Afghanistan, I haven't had access to pornography and yet I never committed any acts of sexual assault and I never committed adultery. Also, the only places outside of the US that I've consumed alcohol are Ireland and Kyrgyzstan. I've never understood how people couldn't go a few months without booze or getting their noodle wet and how their apparent need for those things outweighed their careers and families. To me that seems to be signs of big problems.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 9:21 AM

2018-06-27T09:21:54-04:00

You're completely misled about porn. Porn won't decrease sexual assault and rape. It will increase it. Porn shapes the way women are viewed, plain and simple. The following is from https://fightthenewdrug.org/how-consuming-porn-can-lead-to-violence/.

A few years ago, a team of researchers looked at 50 of the most popular porn films—the ones purchased and rented most often. Of the 304 scenes the movies contained, 88% contained physical violence and 49% contained verbal aggression. On average, only one scene in 10 didn’t contain any aggression, and the typical scene averaged 12 physical or verbal attacks. One particularly disturbing scene managed to fit in 128!
The amount of violence shown in porn is astonishing but equally disturbing is the reaction of the victims. In the study, 95% of the victims (almost all of them women) either were neutral to the abuse or appeared to respond with pleasure.
In other words, in porn, people are getting beaten up and they’re smiling about it.

How Consuming Porn Can Lead to Violence

Consumers may say they aren’t actually affected by porn, that they don't personally believe its violent underlying messages, but studies suggest otherwise.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Jun 27 at 2018 9:28 AM

2018-06-27T09:28:02-04:00

"Hearts and minds" of the citizens of the countries we are in is a big thing. This is how their local laws and customs work, so that is what we are going with.

As what has also been mentioned, how do you not understand the SHARP relations to this type of question? Aren't you supposed to be a professional and when you put that uniform and flag on, representing this country?

I was deployed (while married) and I didn't bother to cheat on my spouse as some tend to do. How could I go that long without "getting my relief"? It's called self control, discipline, and being professional. Working and working out until I was dead tired sure helped too. Sounds like someone might need to pull double shifts overseas...

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 27 at 2018 9:58 AM

2018-06-27T09:58:30-04:00

So you are saying to HELL with the nation's LAWS you are in, and the fact that you are so weak, that you can't control your own urges- a prime candidate for assaulting another SM it sounds like. Next you would demand alcohol in Muslim countries, and then be shocked we they revolt , kill our troops and throw us out. Hell let's just allow Sharia law in the US- let Moslems do what they want- stone women, execute thieves. What is good for the goose, is good for the Gander right?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 2:21 PM

2018-06-27T14:21:45-04:00

I really hope this is a troll post. Surely we have a better SHARP education system than this in the Army.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 27 at 2018 5:52 PM

2018-06-27T17:52:07-04:00

How interesting some folks can assume something about me. It was slapstick joke, carry on.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 28 at 2018 8:11 AM

2018-06-28T08:11:10-04:00

Pornography demoralizes individuals and devalues females...For example, if You are an individual who watches pornography, whether male or female, isn't it difficult to work around other Service Members?

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Jun 28 at 2018 9:50 AM

2018-06-28T09:50:45-04:00

I didn't know it was banned. Oops. I'll let our boys know.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 12:24 PM

2018-06-28T12:24:00-04:00

Maybe your not asking the question correctly, or maybe you need to live in a SHARP class. As a Senior NCO, and the husband of a soldier who was sexually assulted while I was deployed, I don’t understand how you could use watching porn as medicine for sexually assaulting a fellow soldier. Then your knowledge of a deployment is absolutely off. There’s a big difference in advising and assistance to a country and then breaking the Sovereignty of a country. Specialist you have a lot to learn.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jun 28 at 2018 1:21 PM

2018-06-28T13:21:16-04:00

So, this kid in my squad in Iraq bought this burnt DVD from some Iraqi 12 year old that said "HOT GIRLS" in poorly written magic marker on it. He gets a day off, pops the thing in his portable DVD player, and it ends up being donkey porn. The guy acts all pissed, and we all rag on him about it. About 4 months later, we have a random trailer inspection and they find the DVD. The guy never threw it out, and was still watching it.

This doesn't really have anything to do with this silly question, but I figured I'd share.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 1:55 PM

2018-06-28T13:55:54-04:00

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/30/health/men-rape-sexual-assault.html

What Experts Know About Men Who Rape

Scientists once thought men who commit rape and sexual assault were so diverse that common factors could not be found. But patterns have begun to emerge in the research.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 2:13 PM

2018-06-28T14:13:46-04:00

What does sexual assault have to do with watching porn? You should probably attend more Sharp training and actually take notes.

That’s like saying if Obesity is such a problem in the military, why would you stop soldiers from drinking alcohol?

If you’re actively engaged on deployment and doing your job, you wouldn’t even think about porn. Get your priorities in order.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2018 2:20 PM

2018-06-28T14:20:53-04:00

x Misconception

Sexual assault is correlated with sexually repressed societies. If people had more sexual opportunities, sexual assault would be less frequent.

✔ Truth

This misconception again ties sexual violence to uncontrollable sexual desire. People don’t commit sexual assault because they don’t have enough sexual opportunities. People commit sexual assault because they feel entitled to other people’s bodies and disregard other people’s right to consent.

x Misconception

Sexual assault happens because people need sex. People get carried away by their sexual desires and/or hormones and loose control.

✔ Truth

Sexual assault is a form of sexualized violence, that is, violence enacted in a sexual way. Like many other crimes, sexual assault is about power and control. Sexual assault happens because perpetrators put their desires over the survivor’s agency to consent. The survivor is never to blame.

x Misconception

Sexual assault is sex.

✔ Truth

Sexual assault is an act of violence, not sex. This is an important distinction because by framing sexualized violence as about sex and not about violence we focus on the perpetrator’s narrative and not the survivor’s. Focusing on the perpetrator’s narrative leads society to blame the victim and to not hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions. Remember, sexual assault happens because perpetrators exert power over the survivor to take away any control the survivor has in choosing whether or not to engage in a sexual situation. Thus, sexual assault is not sex to the survivor – it is an act of violence.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jul 1 at 2018 10:48 PM

2018-07-01T22:48:15-04:00

It can lead some soldiers to sexual assault but mostly it can reflect a bad image of you to any unexpected visitors who migjt pop in with your platoon or company commander. Everyone has to project a proper military and professional image. It sounds like I'm preaching be a goody two shoes, but I'm a retired USAF enlisted E5. Been down range several times. But I had a chance to be hog wild many times before deployments and after. It was very hard (no pun) but I got through them, so can you. Males and females.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2018 4:09 PM

2018-07-04T16:09:37-04:00

This is sad. To see any military branch questioning this just is disgraceful to everything you swear to uphold. Talk to who ever you must to get sexual awareness training, Sexual assault prevention and pay very close attention. Ask questions and learn because not knowing the reason pornography and sex don't have a part in the military is just ignorance.

Response by TSgt B Lamm made Jul 14 at 2018 9:38 AM

2018-07-14T09:38:36-04:00

I see this issue as just another PC knee jerk reaction by the brass, to fix a problem that they do not want to deal with. As we all know, whether down range, or back at the base, sexual activity, the use of porn, alcohol use etc. all is going on. These are actually not the problem, Rape, MST, and drug/alcohol abuse is the problem. SHARP should be focused directly and solely on identifying misconduct, and rapidly providing a dishonorable discharge to those involved. Any SOFA agreements should only effect the service members actions while off post. Inside the gates is our territory. Anyone who visits the compounds of our allies can see these are available. Also, many times it is just the whims of the local command authority. During Desert Storm even, the commanding general did not like cigarette smoke, so cigarettes were banned. In this case, give the guys a ration chit for a couple glasses of beer from a keg, it will help moral, and relieve some tension while on base. Play a porn flick in a tent at the compound. And if someone is raped, kick that sorry ass out of the military, we don't want him.

Response by SPC Robert Wiman made Jul 18 at 2018 6:12 PM

2018-07-18T18:12:39-04:00

some people ain't mature enough to not act on the urges that they see in porn .

Response by PO3 Stacy Brown-Bull made Jul 23 at 2018 2:26 AM

2018-07-23T02:26:47-04:00

I am very sorry that you think sexual assault can be solved by watching porn. You do not sound mature, and seem to be thinking with the wrong head. I was stationed on a base that had a number of pornographic theaters. So, tell me why I was brutally raped? I don"t agree that you should talk to sexual assault survivors. You have no empathy for these women/men. Your problems are a lot more serious than not being able to watch porn. Grow up!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2018 10:43 PM

2018-07-23T22:43:16-04:00

Without scrolling down and reading the other comments, most Islamic countries ban pornography anyway, so its out of respect to the culture of host nation (SOFA) that we follow the same rules. Same thing with alcohol.

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Jul 24 at 2018 11:04 AM

2018-07-24T11:04:48-04:00

Either down range or up range, if you do look at the correct FM, it is a training or mission distractor , not counting it will not let troops keep the correct state of mind

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Jul 30 at 2018 3:10 PM

2018-07-30T15:10:33-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member When I was in Korea we did not have access to porn. That was 1968-1970

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Aug 3 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-08-03T16:15:57-04:00

If you have that much of a problem you can not be abstinent for a period of time, videos are not going to fix the problem. If you cannot control those "urges", I suggest talking to someone about it. What do you think everyone else does that have wives and girlfriends? Life does not revolve around sexual gratification. That is a perk, not an absolute.

Response by SGT Corey Hunt made Aug 5 at 2018 8:15 PM

2018-08-05T20:15:26-04:00

Well, if Private Joe Snuffy is in a porta john jackin his meat while rounds are coming in or your COP is under attack how is his leadership going to be able to effectively asses injuries and keep accountability of his troops. The answer, he can't. Also, how effective are you gonna be in combat if you're suddenly attacked and you don't have proper situational awareness of what's going on? You won't be. Other factors include the temporary fatigue and relaxation that induce a state of complacency in a time where you need to be the least complacent that you ever have been to fight effectively.

Response by SGT Lisa Fields made Aug 6 at 2018 5:56 PM

2018-08-06T17:56:36-04:00

We have legal agreements with host countries most of the hostile places we operate outlaw beer and porn. So that goes for us too

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2018 11:14 AM

2018-08-13T11:14:18-04:00

Because it objectifies women - and - destroys your soul. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 13 at 2018 2:57 PM

2018-08-13T14:57:45-04:00

Why have a rule that 99% of people are definitely breaking anyway?

Response by SPC Nanette Porter made Aug 17 at 2018 12:50 PM

2018-08-17T12:50:22-04:00

Watching porn or not is not to relave anything nor is magazine's. The releafe comes from the ackshen.
Now men and women are all capable are capable of sexual assault and rape but it doesn't mean that we are going to do it. And having porn or not is not is going to make a rapest or anything else out of anyone. That has to do with the individual themselves and a hole lot more. Now in some places they may not be able to so they need to respect that and find alternative ways they managed as teen's with out porn I'm sure they can manage a few months. And not every down range experience is the same only sted fast rule no sex and there is good reason for that as well. You can't juge something you don't understand. Education is a top priority of the military on this topic and I if you have questions or need ancers then do the research.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Aug 25 at 2018 7:24 AM

2018-08-25T07:24:42-04:00

REALLY? Some one is asking this question? Never mind that military units nowadays have men and women in them. Never mind that someone could and WOULD find that offensive. Regardless if it's downrange or not.

Response by SSG Robert Ball made Aug 26 at 2018 11:16 PM

2018-08-26T23:16:03-04:00

REALLY....come on guy grow up a little here. You can live without your porno and if you can't maybe you need to go talk to someone about that issue. With that said I am sure Joe is still getting his porno on when he needs to and if you think he isn't your a fool. In the end it sounds like a discipline issue its called self discipline try it out some time it really works in life

Response by CPT Edwina McCall made Sep 16 at 2018 2:14 PM

2018-09-16T14:14:27-04:00

I served in two wars as an Army Combat Support nurse and sex was the farthest thing from my mind.
Worked with many men, they weren't interested either, we were too busy I guess taking care of the wounded. Makes one lose their appetite for much of anything.

Why would you think watching porn would stop sexual assaults?

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Sep 20 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-09-20T16:15:20-04:00

Wow Dude! Just wow...

Response by SPC Devin Foster made Sep 24 at 2018 11:17 AM

2018-09-24T11:17:05-04:00

Hmm, I didn’t think porn was not allowed. Also, being without a woman for nine months should lend plenty of power to your imagination when “getting your urges out as easily as possible”. How is there a conmection between not being able to watch porn and sexual assault? And for those of you who think porn leads to sexual assault, how so? Pure and simple, done touch people who don’t want to be touched. And if you’re a man you should have more than enough ability to beat your meat in the heat. What a clown question guy, be ashamed of yourself.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 17 at 2018 7:06 PM

2018-10-17T19:06:58-04:00

So the subtext I'm picking up here is that you feel men will commit sexual assault if not allowed to act on their "urges"... This says disturbing things about your headspace and timing...

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Nov 17 at 2018 6:00 AM

2018-11-17T06:00:13-05:00

The two are most unrelated. I echo the NCOs here that you need to gain understanding of why things are what they are.

We did nit “invade” and lack of sex is only a possibility in a minuscule number of cases... again, almost all research shows it has nothing to do with that.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 6 at 2019 4:09 PM

2019-07-06T16:09:28-04:00

Because studies have shown porn is a precursor for sexual deviance and a contributing factor in assault. Secondarily the climate we function in includes individuals whom photography is offensive.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2019 7:57 PM

2019-07-26T19:57:02-04:00

Sexual assault is not to do with urges for sex as it is for power and control. Pornography is not a deterrent to sexual assaults as much as bystander intervention is.

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made Aug 11 at 2019 12:25 PM

2019-08-11T12:25:24-04:00

Porn also drives some soldiers to sexual assault. The fact that you even think this is acceptable makes you a security risk. Your weak and a weak soldier can be compromised.

Response by SPC Jon Carpenter made Nov 3 at 2019 12:57 PM

2019-11-03T12:57:57-05:00

I dunno...ask around...someone always has a harddrive

We did a shake down of the Iraqis living on our base in Basarah and were told that anything pornographic was contraband.

1st chew we looked...yep...under the mattress...rookie move bro!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 2:15 PM

2019-12-18T14:15:36-05:00

Almost everyone I knew downrange watched porn. When did this change?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 2:37 PM

2019-12-18T14:37:08-05:00

Having read most of the responses, I am amazed at the furor over this issue.

Aren't the ROE more important? As far as national sovereignty, if the nations we assist desire this so strongly perhaps they should learn how to protect themselves. Freedom of expression includes porn. As Americans we are free to choose whether or not to watch. I don't believe that porn is a healthy pastime, but we are a free people with differing opinions on just about everything.

When deployed to a nation where Sharia law applies (especially command sponsored), our family members should be protected from stoning, castration, suffering female circumcision, or other benighted punishments.

We need to worry less about the "feelings" of countries we assist and more about the soldiers that are there. We give up rights when we enlist or are commissioned. The number of rights we give up should not be at the whim of some committee or general officer. If the host nation doesn't like american TV or movies our men & women choose to watch, then they should keep their asses off of our bases. Personally I believe our bases should be considered US Territory in the same way as our embassies. Are our military personnel less important than the diplomats? I think not.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 18 at 2019 8:30 PM

2019-12-18T20:30:37-05:00

The no sex, gambling, drinking makes us pissed off and want to destroy the enemy.

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made Jul 3 at 2021 11:34 PM

2021-07-03T23:34:46-04:00

It's against the UCMJ to be in possession of porn much less anything else of that nature. Look, I'm going to be completely real with you, there are female soldiers that sleep with anything. But to create an environment that would endanger females that don't sleep around or even make soldiers, is against the Soldier Code. If anyone, female or male, are that weak they don't need to wear a uniform, go join some other organization where lives aren't at risk if you lack self control.