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Return to Article: Cadet: Sexual assault scandal at academy is leadership's fault

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  The bravery of Beth Davis is amazing. This country and the war on terror would have been best served by young men and women with her kind of courage. As she gave her statement before the panel, her tears began to fall. It was then that I saw what courage really is. She faced a group of people and the whole nation on television. She has inspired me to stand up for not only myself, but to teach my teen-age daughters how to have courage under fire! She is a leader. She has paved the way for women of the future. All she wanted to do was serve her country that you could tell she loved. I would be honored to speak with her personally or by e-mail. Beth, your strength and honor shines bright even though your soul has been wounded. Your body has been torn and your heart broken. But, my friend, your spirit is strong. Continue to hold your ground. Thank you. Thank you for making this world a better place for my girls ... 16 and 17 years old. Hold your ground and don't give up or give in!!! My prayers are with you! God Bless you!! You have served your country more than you know!

  Tricia Slaughter Posted July 1, 2006 4:16 AM
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  If the rampant crime was robbery or murder more would be done to punish the guilty and enforce the law. There wouldn't be people yammering on about our culture, changing men's behavior, women in the workplace etc. Why is rape treated differently?

  Is it so unreasonable to expect that these men should be capable of working with women and not raping them? Is that such a high bar to set for their behaviour?

  Lisa Wagner Posted April 5, 2005 10:06 AM
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  Same story, same response. No one up line is ever responsible. Our Government strongly believes in protecting the people at the top and protecting them at all costs. I've seen it many times while working as a civil servant. These people are allowed to get away with wrongs that people in the rank and file would immediately be dismissed for. Case in point is Clinton and the Monica incident. Most federal employees know their career would have been terminated if they had done the same. It's politics and it will never change. So expect more of the same.

  GovExec.com reader Posted April 4, 2005 7:49 AM
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  It is somewhat amusing that each woman who responds refers to a "him" when speaking of the leadership community. How about a "her" if she happens to be in charge? When will people understand that the military is not a social club but rather a fighting force designed to protect the world? Are we so dumb to believe that putting a woman in a military uniform will change the culture and behavior of men? What is wrong with you people? The old adage of "can't we all just get along" doesn't work in a military society and never did. The old saying of "familiarity breeds contempt" has always been prevalent in the military. That is why you should never socialize with juniors and the same should apply in academies. This isn't going to change so don't look for it.

  Charlie (Navy retired) Posted April 2, 2005 10:25 PM
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  While I agree the leadership bears "some" of the blame, this is a total outrage. The cadet should be held fully responsible for his behavior. This type of response sends a clear message to our young people that it is "always someone else's fault". It is not "your fault" no matter what you do. Our courts and judges at all levels need to get their "head on straight" and start holding the offender accountable. If leadership is aware and does nothing ( thus encouraging the behavior to continue), then he is as guilty. But the offender is the primary person responsible and guilty. Punish him!

  Cristie Clark Posted April 1, 2005 9:47 AM
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  As a former member of the military and female, I'd like to say that joining the military was the right choice for me. However, until the atmosphere and attitudes are changed at all of the military's higher institutes of learning, I would be hesitant to send my daughter to an academy to become an officer. More than likely I would advise her to go through ROTC or get a direct commission.

  GovExec.com reader Posted March 31, 2005 4:17 PM
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  The lack of leadership and management is apparent throughout the Air force. It is not just the academy and it is not just limited to sex. The best people I have met in the Air Force come from VMI not the military academy! The AFA should be closed.

  taxpayer Posted March 31, 2005 6:30 AM
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  The key to this really is openness. I know the comparison is not all that apt, but in a way the military can be compared to an all male university which has just turned co-ed. The comraderie that is encouraged between male students at such an institution is commendable, but it also breeds unhealthy secrecy, and a fear in women to speak up about a crime.

  That is why any board of review that is developed for women to report rape to, should consist nearly if not entirely of women, such that victims do not feel outnumbered and feel comfortable in reporting an incident.

  Lucas Sayre Posted March 30, 2005 6:40 PM