Posted on Jan 15, 2016
Air Force colonel charged with rape, assault, adultery
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I will first start by saying that Col Caughey is presumed to be innocent under the law. This just happened to be the first story I read this morning from a local newspaper and it got me thinking...I am sure this comes as another blow to an already hypersensitive environment. I just want to know if RP thinks the military truly has a sexual assault problem? Or on the other hand, do you think the issue is a societal issue? Either way I would be curious to hear your thoughts.
Air Force colonel charged with rape, assault, adultery
Posted from militarytimes.com
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
Posted >1 y ago
"I just want to know if RP thinks the military truly has a sexual assault problem?"
vs.
"Or on the other hand, do you think the issue is a societal issue?"
We must really look at these questions in reverse. Are violent crimes of a sexual nature a huge problem in the US?
Simply put, the US is amazingly safe. It is. Despite "creative statistics" most people are not going to experience a "violent crime event" let alone the subset of a "violent crime of a sexual nature."
That leads us to the question of whether there is a DISPROPORTIONATE number of (sexual) violence within the Military, or whether it matches society as a whole.
As it stands, the numbers "appear" larger inside the military, however REPORTING is significantly better inside the military, which creates some comparison issues. "If" the proportions were identical, and reporting is better inside, it makes the military appear worse subjectively. Unfortunately, because of this we have no real way of knowing, and because of a variety of factors it's hugely difficult to unravel the issue. Too many assumptions, not enough science, lots of bad statistics which are thrown around.
Furthermore, our criminal Justice system, both inside the Military (UCMJ) and the Civilian courts have the presumption of innocence, which combined with the investigation process (which is slow) creates a "burden" on the accuser in various ways. There's no way to answer this question with a single post or thread, or even a series of books.
When it really boils down to it, we're looking at "individuals" with societal and cultural issues, some of which might exist within Military Culture (there is sexism in the Military), however personal accountability is the forefront issue with any Personal Action (sexual assault), because NO ONE thinks sex through violence is morally or ethically correct, and if they do, they don't belong in society.
vs.
"Or on the other hand, do you think the issue is a societal issue?"
We must really look at these questions in reverse. Are violent crimes of a sexual nature a huge problem in the US?
Simply put, the US is amazingly safe. It is. Despite "creative statistics" most people are not going to experience a "violent crime event" let alone the subset of a "violent crime of a sexual nature."
That leads us to the question of whether there is a DISPROPORTIONATE number of (sexual) violence within the Military, or whether it matches society as a whole.
As it stands, the numbers "appear" larger inside the military, however REPORTING is significantly better inside the military, which creates some comparison issues. "If" the proportions were identical, and reporting is better inside, it makes the military appear worse subjectively. Unfortunately, because of this we have no real way of knowing, and because of a variety of factors it's hugely difficult to unravel the issue. Too many assumptions, not enough science, lots of bad statistics which are thrown around.
Furthermore, our criminal Justice system, both inside the Military (UCMJ) and the Civilian courts have the presumption of innocence, which combined with the investigation process (which is slow) creates a "burden" on the accuser in various ways. There's no way to answer this question with a single post or thread, or even a series of books.
When it really boils down to it, we're looking at "individuals" with societal and cultural issues, some of which might exist within Military Culture (there is sexism in the Military), however personal accountability is the forefront issue with any Personal Action (sexual assault), because NO ONE thinks sex through violence is morally or ethically correct, and if they do, they don't belong in society.
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Posted >1 y ago
Wow, these are really terrible allegations. I don't see how this wouldn't merit going to court martial proceedings, though I'm not an expert on those determinations.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
>1 y
Everything goes through the process. The prosecution has to present "enough" evidence that they have a case first. It would be like one of your NCOs saying "I think PVT Schmucatelli needs an NJP for X." You would of course go "Alright, let's see what you've got" before you drug him in front of you. The last thing you want is someone standing before with ZERO case.
I mean look at the Bergdahl case. Even that went through an Art 32 hearing to determine which charges would actually be tried.
I mean look at the Bergdahl case. Even that went through an Art 32 hearing to determine which charges would actually be tried.
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CPT (Join to see)
>1 y
CPT Aaron Kletzing I agree. The description of the accusation makes me cringe.
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Posted >1 y ago
ANY ( especially officers) that have sex with lower-ranking Personnel should be convicted of rape simply because of the intimidation of the rank they hold that they cannot control themselves better than that then you're not f****** deserve to be in officer or even any kind of NCO it is rape by intimidation or at the very least, because of your position. It IS abuse of your position of authority.
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