Late last month, President Joe Biden made an official announcement backing many of the reform efforts I’ve been writing about here. Shortly after that statement hit the press, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III shared an exciting new plan to remove decisions prosecuting sexual assault cases from the chain of command and unit commanders within the military, and putting that power instead into the just hands of independent military lawyers. 

This momentum from our higher-level officials is an important and welcome step in the right direction for overarching sexual assault reform in the military. One of Biden’s statements in particular stood out for me: “Today’s announcement is the beginning, not the end of our work. This will be among the most significant reforms to our military undertaken in recent history, and I’m committed to delivering results,” he said in the White House statement. Biden’s backing, mixed with Austin’s direction, and legislative support that’s building in Congress could bring faster positive change for sexual assault cases—and other major crimes in the military.

Justice for military sexual assault survivors

For years, top military officials have resisted both investigating sexual assault claims and proposed changes for how these allegations are handled. For many women, this has felt a bit Sisyphean—pushing a rock up a steep hill and gaining only a few inches at a time to lose them once again to the heavy weight of gravity. That’s why reading Biden’s news release means so much to me. His statement seems to push that proverbial rock several miles up the hill—high enough for us to even start seeing over the top.  “Sexual assault is an abuse of power and an affront to our shared humanity,” the President shared. Going on to say, “Sexual assault in the military is doubly damaging because it also shreds the unity and cohesion that is essential to the functioning of the U.S. military and to our national defense.”

Good progress is being made

Following the president’s announcement, Defense Secretary Austin is putting change into motion. Several steps are now in progress, including:

• Austin advised senior Pentagon leaders to begin carrying out the investigative panel’s recommendations. Congress will now work to make updates to the Uniform Code of Military Justice which will strip commanders from any decision making in the prosecution of sexual assault, domestic violence, and related crimes. Sexual harassment will also now become an offense under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice).
• The Defense Secretary dictated that the Department build offices within the armed service branches to specifically handle the prosecution of sexual assault-related crimes. These offices must adhere to legal oversight and guidance directly from his Office of the Secretary of Defense. (A step that ensures nothing slips through the cracks or is minimized in importance.)
• A separate process will also be established for service members with multiple and/or gross sexual harassment claims to receive standardized, non-judicial punishment (across all services), to be administered by the military’s sexual assault and harassment response force.
• A new “implementation roadmap” is slated for creation by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks within the next month. This will be a crucial step towards identifying what resources may be necessary to institute permanent and long-lasting changes.

The president is ready to do more work

As we all know, there’s much to do to help raise awareness regarding sexual harassment and assault in the military. As we all strive to advocate and raise our voices to share stories and support, the president also recognizes the difficulties that may lie ahead. “Keeping our country safe has to start with prioritizing the safety of those who proudly sign up to serve our country,” said Biden. His announcement represents a vital step in the right direction. And, I for one, am inspired and buoyed by his words.

Looking to connect or learn more?

Experiencing a traumatic physical event can often feel isolating. Please know you’re not alone. If you or someone you love has been assaulted, please reach out for help. You can access free and confidential support by calling the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s 24-7 toll-free support line at 800-656-4673 or visiting its online hotline.  I also invite you to contact me directly at Jakia@jmlindley.com. Please don’t hesitate to drop me a note, share a story, or ask questions about the posts I’ve shared here.  I look forward to hearing from you!