Allegation after allegation, is there a deeper problem here? What do you say as leaders?

SFC A.M. Drake — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 05:37:13 -0400

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20141003/CAREERS03/310030049/Two-star-accused-sexual-assault-retires-one-star

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Oct 22 at 2014 5:49 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 05:49:39 -0400

There's a HUGE disconnect between the way the Army prosecutes GO and enlisted misbehavior. If the Army leadership wants us to follow them into combat, then everyone from the GO down needs to have integrity that's beyond reproach.

I tell my Privates during BCT if you can't trust somebody in BCT-land, forget about it in a war zone. Why are the rules different for Generals?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 6:02 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 06:02:26 -0400

The only "deeper" problem here is that this kind of behavior didn't use to be talked about especially when it was from a senior member. Victims now are seeing that they can report, no matter the rank, and action WILL be taken. Our Army is getting it right (in terms of reporting and taking action), just going to take a while to expose all of the perpetrators.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 7:53 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 07:53:47 -0400

SFC Drake, I think there is a deeper problem here. It's the problem of power going to the head of senior leaders, and it's not limited to the military. Consider the many politicians who have done similarly stupid things. There's something about all that power .... my theory is that senior leaders begin to think they're invincible, that they can get away with anything, and they can't. We have plenty of examples in the military at the two, three, and four star level.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 22 at 2014 8:50 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 08:50:07 -0400

The military is a microcosm of society and we have all kinds of people who do all kinds of stupid things. While it is natural to expect our senior leaders to display good character, discipline, and lawful conduct at all times, the truth is that they, too, are human and not infallible. Not making excuses; just stating facts.

Conduct such as this happens every day. It is only "newsworthy" when a senior officer or senior NCO does it, as that, fortunately, is out of the ordinary. When it does happen, they should be dealt with more harshly than less senior people because they have breached the special trust and confidence inherent in their rank and position.

Alcohol, although not an excuse, seems to play a prominent part in many of these stories (or, at least, in many of the excuses given for the inappropriate actions). In addition, inappropriate sexual advances/relations seem to get many in trouble. It never ceases to amaze my why senior officers/political/corporate leaders all of a sudden think they are irresistible to women just because of "who they are". Idiocy...

The breakdown of discipline in our society has unfortunately manifested itself in the military, as well. Fortunately, these cases are not common and that is what drives the publicity they get. Having said that, one is too many.

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made Oct 22 at 2014 9:11 AM

CSM Michael Lynch — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 09:11:26 -0400

@SFC A. M. Drake as I continue to say, yes there are deeper problems when every branch is in a battle against sexual harassment and sexual assault and top leaders like these Generals are behaving in conduct unbecoming of an Officer, we have problems.
Then the punishment is another issue.
Had this been an enlisted member he would have been reduced to E-1, bad conduct discharge, and possibly jail time.

JMO when the treat these high ranking leaders with essentially a slap on the hand for these crimes it sends a message to all of the troops, that it isn't that big a deal if my Generals are getting away with it.
What ever happened to lead by example? I'm willing to bet there are some officers throughout his career that he may have had the same charges brought up if they had brought them to light.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 22 at 2014 9:36 AM

SPC David S. — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 09:36:38 -0400

Sounds like the General should have joined the Navy.