Panel recommends significant change in military sexual assault proceedings

A Pentagon panel is recommending that the military take decisions to prosecute service members for sexual assault outside the chain of command.

The Associated Press on Friday first reported the recommendation — made by a civilian-led commission created by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in February — which would mark a major reversal of military policy.

Press Secretary John Kirby confirmed to reporters later Friday that Austin had received some initial recommendations from the independent review commission and that he asked the heads of the military services “to take a look at them and give him their honest, candid feedback about it.”