White House releases findings of commission on sexual assault in the military

The White House released the results of an independent review commission on sexual assault in the military Friday, announcing a series of recommendations aimed at combating military sexual assault and moving prosecution of assaults outside the chain of command, in what one senior administration official called "a monumental pivot in how the Department does business."

The 300-page report, titled, "Hard Truths and the Duty to Change: Recommendations from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military," makes more than 80 recommendations, warning of "a wide chasm between what senior leaders believe is happening under their commands, and what junior enlisted Service members actually experience." The commission met with more than 600 individuals over the course of 90 days, including military and veteran service organizations, victim advocacy groups, and veteran and active duty sexual assault survivors.
The report's findings focus on four areas related to accountability, prevention, climate and culture and survivor care and support -- the official tells CNN the recommendations, including the decision to move prosecution of sexual assault outside the chain of command, was backed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Defense secretary to recommend prosecution of sexual assaults in the military be taken out of commanders hands
Defense secretary to recommend prosecution of sexual assaults in the military be taken out of commanders' hands