WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – A rash of scandals discrediting the U.S. military’s efforts to stamp out sexual assault is putting unprecedented pressure on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to consider options that once appeared off limits to address sex crimes in the armed forces.
On Tuesday, the military disclosed that another one of its advocates for victims of sexual assault was himself being accused of sex crimes, including allegations linking him to prostitution.
Hagel, in his initial response, ordered the retraining and recertification of U.S. military personnel whose job it is to work to prevent sexual assault and assist the victims. But the Pentagon made clear yesterday that Hagel is open to further actions.
But the latest scandal may have been the last straw for Congress. Lawmakers have issued a string of statements vowing legislative action, such as setting job requirements for people who work with sexual assault victims.
Other lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for changes to military law that would allow prosecution of sex crimes to be handled by a group of experts outside the victim’s direct chain of command.
“The military has made it clear that it cannot handle this problem alone and it is time for decisive action by Congress,” said Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee.
He and other lawmakers on the Senate and House panels that oversee the Pentagon have vowed to use this year’s annual defense policy bill to address the sexual assault problem.
Democratic Senators Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota introduced a bill on Wednesday to force Hagel to take action to strengthen sexual assault prevention programs, including improving the training and qualifications of those who work in those jobs.
