I am an 18 year old college student, joining Naval ROTC next semester. I am excited to join the military as I have wanted to since I was a little girl, but I was wondering what the risk of sexual assault at the hands of fellow servicemen was. I have read several news exposees on the mistreatment of women serving in the military and the subordinate position they can be forced into, so I was wondering what I can realistically anticipate regarding the respect I would receive from my male counterparts and the dangers of sexual predation. Please advise.
2007-02-24 07:11:07 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I know that the majority of American military personnel is professional, I am not trying to slander servicemen in any way. I am asking whether the environment in the military is one that is likely to foster a sexist atmosphere, and more specifically if that atmosphere is likely to be forcefully violent.
2007-02-24 07:18:12 · update #1
you can only be put in that kind of situation if you allow it. theres a chain of command. everyone has a boss. if somebody who outranks you attempts to put you in any sort of situation where sexual coercion may happen, talk to that person's boss. if that boss is unwilling to keep order and discipline, go up a rank until somebody does something about it. attempt to take care of that sort of thing at the lowest level possible. going straight to an admiral will get your claim dismissed. remember, for every sailor thats a peice of trash, there are several honorable sailors that would gladly beat him up for giving trouble to a female sailor.
2007-02-24 07:57:57 · answer #1 · answered by Stand-up Philosopher 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Let me first say thanks for considering this as a career path. You have partially restored my faith in the youth of this Country.
You will face bias, mistreatment, and sexual preditors. The good news is this is no different in the military than it is anywhere else, or in other words you're on equal footing.
The mere fact that you are considering a military option tells me that you have a good head on your shoulders and probably have a better than average IQ and perception of reality. Go with your instincts. When you sense danger, there is danger. Combine your instincts with the training you will receive and you will always come out on top.
Don't put too much into the "exposees". Most are produced by the MSM left wing liberal press with an anti-American agenda and a desire to see America fail and succumb to the pressures of the global warming lemmings.
I hope you're up to the challenges that are facing us. It's been about 38 years since I was 18, but if it were me today, I'd be more worried about the Jihad and getting my throat slit than being raped.
When things really go bad (and the will) be very worried about being stationed in LA, Detroit, or Camden, NJ. I'll take Baghdad over any of those U.S. cities any day.
2007-02-24 07:44:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
being a woman in the military is really no different than being a woman out of the military.
Regardless of where you are, you need to realize this is something that can happen anytime, anywhere.
The instances you are talking about are usually a WAY overblown attempt to slam the military. Yes it happens, but not as much as the media would like for you to believe.
As far as general mistreatment, I'm not saying it doesn't happen, BUT... a lot of it is more of a power struggle between 2 people who happen to be of opposite sex. Its not a gender thing. Most men and women who have been in the military for a while are used to working side by side and know how to handle themselves. But the younger recruits have a tendency to believe certain stereotypes and play into them. If you are strong and carry yourself well, nobody will mess with you. But if you are weak and let it show you are asking to be pushed around, just like in civilian life. Don't believe the stereotypes that women are inferior, don't show fear you will be fine.
2007-02-24 11:38:06 · answer #3 · answered by Chrissy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a great American if you go thru with your plans and I for one salute you. You may have a concern but no more than if you were out walking the streets as there are many more rapist and molesters in the outside world then in the Military. Being a woman these days is not easy I know. Just be aware of your surroundings and positions. Learn all you can while in training to protect yourself. Be strong and be honest as possible. Life is tough but I am sure you will be fine if you stay true to yourself and your country. Good Luck.
2007-02-24 07:19:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
As long as you're a woman, then you'll always have the potential of being a victim of sexual assault.....unfortunately. The military is no different. There are countless cases of this......and I'm sure many that go unreported. Then, on the other hand.....many women use their sexuality to get what and where they want. But I also need to point out to you that there are many women in the military who have never been a victim of sexual assault. So, although it is a ligitimate fear to have......as long as you have friends in the military....both male and female, I really don't believe you'll have anything to worry about. I wish you the best of luck.
2007-02-24 07:20:17 · answer #5 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
That type of treatment is very very rare. When it happens, the media tends to over publicize it to the point where people think it's a regular occurrence. There's no more danger there, than there is anywhere else. And the danger is probably a lot LESS there because you are trained to defend yourself.
2007-02-24 07:16:38 · answer #6 · answered by kj 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would tell you to hold your head high & be a proud to be able to join.
It's true I have heard of such cases, but that's just a few cases of how many women that have joined???
Your chances are probably very slim of having that sort of experiance.
Good Luck & Best Wishes!
2007-02-24 07:21:32 · answer #7 · answered by mrsdragonfly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our military people are professionals. Whacked out people exist everywhere...so the answer is your fear is no more relevant for the military as it is walking home from a movie.
2007-02-24 07:15:08 · answer #8 · answered by dank_vile 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sweetie, you are not going to prison, you are joining the military.
The chances of you being raped are much less than if you went to college or stayed at home
2007-02-24 07:20:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
1.) Don't attend any tail hook parties.
2.)Shower alone,when you can.
3.)If not with #2,keep your back to the wall.
4.)If you drop the soap,squat,don't bend over.
5.) Most all of your service time you will be safe,We have a lot of money invested in you and your training.They will protect that too.
2007-02-24 07:25:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋