Posted on Jun 2, 2014
MSgt Command Equipment Manager
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Just watched "The Invisible War." What is everyone's thoughts on this?
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Responses: 9
SSG V. Michelle Woods
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I believe that awfully painful and tragic documentary is a true reflection of the reality we live in.

If you think it is an exaggeration of the military's problem, you are deeply mistaken. This documentary should be a huge part of SHARP training.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
SSG V. Michelle Woods
10 y
I completely agree and Im grateful you are elaborating on this subject because of course I have my own perspective on things but I try to not go into a conversation with the sole purpose of being right. I'd rather just learn something new or at least gain someone else's perspective.

Great discussion.
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SSG General Services Technician And State Vehicle Inspector
SSG (Join to see)
10 y
I agree. I had my own perspective many years ago. As I learned more over the years, my perspective changed substantially. I became a UVA in 2005 then a full fledge SHARP Rep early last year. It added a new variable in the way things truly are and allowed me an additional insight into human psychology. It's truly amazing.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
SSG V. Michelle Woods
10 y
Regardless if our points of view differ, I respect that you have taken such a sincere interest in this topic and I certainly value your opinion because it's obvious you aren't ignorant on the matter.

It's pretty frustrating when captain-save-a-girl tries telling victims how they should handle these situations. I know they mean well but I'd rather discuss these things with people like yourself and the other contributors to this discussion who have some knowledge of the topic.
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CPT Kyle Schembechler
CPT Kyle Schembechler
10 y
Two points I wanted to address

1. I agree that it is a societal problem. Rates in the military will be skewed because of the disproportionate amount of 18-22 year olds, the demographic with the highest rate of sexual assault. Colleges and universities have the same problem as well, so in my opinion public education systems, namely high schools, should make a better effort to reach out to young adults as they prepare to go off on their own:

http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/harassing-military_738058.html

2. While I did find the film to be very eye opening, it resonates with different audiences in a multitude of ways. I, as a future officer and leader, told myself that I need to do everything that I can to prevent any crimes and set a standard of zero-tolerance for such abhorrent behavior. On the flip side, other college students (this was part of sexual assault awareness week at my school, it was mandatory for cadets to attend some events in lieu of SHARP training) developed very negative stereotypes about people in the military. The group hosting the events even went as far to say that they didn't want cadets at their events for fear of us scaring people, which I found to be mildly offensive.
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SGT(P) Motor Transport Operator
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I hatred it! It is crazy to think that happens in our military. For a different perspective, you should also watch Justice Denied, if you are strong enough. That one is from a male perspective.
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MSgt Command Equipment Manager
MSgt (Join to see)
10 y
I will definitely watch that. Thank you for the reference. Can't stand this kind of thing happening to men or women.
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SGT(P) Motor Transport Operator
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SRA Constable,

I don't think you realize how happy it makes me that you were impacted by this documentary. Remember, you are the change. It is far too common that many want to wash their hands of the scary horrible things that are happening around. Please use your new found shock to help prevent it in your wing. I'm not saying go out and scream from the top of a mountain, however, just sharing with your wingmen will help make a difference. It is your generation that can help implement the necessary change. The more it is discussed in the open, the more others are aware of its occurrences and may even be able to prevent it from happening. At the very least, some may think twice before engaging. There are always going to be those perverts and others lacking the mental will power to resist, but some conducting these atrocities are well adjusted and just have a lapse in judgement, unable to comprehend the impact it will have on others. Look out for your fellow Airmen, male and female alike, as it can help prevent lives being shattered, perpetrator and victim alike.
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MSgt Command Equipment Manager
MSgt (Join to see)
10 y
Well said sir. It is important that we inform as many people as we can about this, so that we can start the repairing process and hopefully help prevent this from happening.
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