is joining the military slightly dangerous for a young attractive woman?

Question

basically, is rape a problem in the military? What does the government do to protect women?

Answer 1

you need to protect yourself, you want to be treated as an equal, then protect your self, the government can not be baby sitting pretty woman

Answer 2

Dangerous? No. It doesn't matter what you look like, you're all treated the same. You must be treated the same, be you man or woman.

On the issue of rape.....it's just as much a problem in the military as it is in the civilian world. Only the military takes it more seriously, and the government has the UCMJ that protects both men and women in these types of issues. And you're also taught self defense.

Although it does happen, don't fret about joining the military. You must learn to properly protect yourself, and to put your trust in the hands of the right people.

Edit-Your best bet as a woman is to not make yourself stand out as a "sexual object". Don't flaunt yourself, and don't go sleeping around. It's best for any woman to not act like a floozy in the military. That dampens the pride of our US Military.

Answer 3

Since the reason for the military is to combat our countries enemies in war... I would think joining the military would at least be "slightly dangerous" for everyone who joins.

But to answer your question... rape can and does happen just about anywhere. and not just to young attractive women.

but the military has a far lowerer occurance of rape than in the everyday civilian world. (Something about order and discipline)

Does the government do anything specific to protect women. should they? Yes the government has programs and laws, rules, and orders in effect to protect ALL PERSONS, both military and civilian (Not just young attractive women)

Did you think the Government is supposed to assign a bodyguard to pretty women special for say.. ugly women, or something?
If you are that naive, you really have no business joining the military. or leaving your parents home even

Answer 4

Rape happens in the military, just like anywhere else. But no, it's not an everyday thing. I don't know the statistics, but I've been married to a marine for four years and have heard of a military guy being charged with rape ONCE during that time. The penalties for almost any crime in the military are more severe than in the civilian world, so most people behave themselves.

Answer 5

Having spent several years in the military myself (and was in the same unit with women), I can say that any type of sexual harassment and/or abuse is very highly frowned upon. Even sexual harassment such as unwanted "come-ons" are dealt with promptly, and disciplinary action is harsh enough to discourage such behavior.

I will not promise 100% that there would be no problems -- that kind of stuff happens anywhere, and the military is no exception. But most likely you will be just as safe in the military as you would anywhere else.

I hope I helped a little, and I thank you for your desire to serve your country. :)

Answer 6

Rape is a problem for anyone, anywhere. The government trains you for self defense during basic training. They even train you in combanants (which should help you with fighting off an attacker).

You can also take classes on self defense and rape prevention through family advocacy and other organizations that are avaliable on and offpost.

The army has classes and information they give out on rape and sexual assualts (I am not sure of the other brances of the military and there prevention information but I am sure they all have them now)
http://www.hooah4health.com/prevention/injurytrauma/sexualassault.htm
http://www.sexualassault.army.mil/#
http://www.sexualassault.army.mil/content/prev_date_rape.cfm
Here is something on the marines sexual assault prevention:
dtic.mil/dacowits/agendadoc/ppts/Marine_Corps_Sexual_Policy_180504.ppt
Just remember to think ahead. Don't drink with someone you don't know. Try to take a Friend with you when you go out. Plan ahead and use your best judgement.

Answer 7

first of all, you have to realize that rape is about power and control, not sex. it's done along sexual lines, with the rapist using their genitals as weapons. your concern shouldn't be as a young attractive woman, it should be as an intelligent, talented woman.
the military is an organization which is made up, primarily, of men. men are, overwhelmingly, the ones who have rank, who are empowered, who are in control. it's not necessarily the pretty girls who are targeted, per se, it's the intelligent ones, the talented ones, the ones with potential to advance (over other men). men who are secure in themselves, their masculinity, their intelligence, their ability, aren't going to be rapists, they don't need to rape to feel good about themselves. however, those men who are insecure, who aren't as talented, who feel threatened by a woman, will more be more likely to rape a female service member.

there are classes given to all new recruits on sexual harrassment and assault. there are also specialists in the inspector general's office, who deal with these sort of offenses. however, there is also a great deal of pressure brought to bear upon female recruits, to not 'tell', to not 'give up' a rapist. the usual line is "you shouldn't destroy a good soldier's career with an accusation". well, don't lie, and destroy a GOOD soldier's career, but, tell the truth, and decimate a rapist out of the military. any rapist, by definition, is not a good soldier.
do you remember those soldiers who were kidnapped last year, tortured and killed and dismembered? they were innocent, but members of the same unit of guys who had raped that girl and killed her and her family. the islamists kidnapped innocent soldiers, to 'avenge' her. so, innocent soldiers died, because of a rapist.
in the end, though, it's up to you to be aware, be vigilant, and to not allow yourself to be cornered into anything.

Answer 8

What you look like or what color your skin is has nothing to do with it. This article will answer all your questions.

The Women's War - Sara Corbett - Iraq - Soldiers - Women - Abuse - ...
Many female soldiers have lived through the terrible violence of the war in ... Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Resource List (March 18, 2007) ...
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/magazine/18cover.html?pagewanted=2&ei=5090&en=8238061812...

Answer 9

Generally speaking, there is no problem in the military with rape. if you do get raped, tell higher authorities immediately and proper actions will be taken. All civilian laws are taking effect in the military. If their is a problem let them know and you will be ok.

Answer 10

Within any organization you're going to have low-lifes who think only of themselves. Unfortunately, from what I've seen about the caliber of individuals now serving it's grim. Many are, or used to be, in street gangs. Nice savory group. Some are actually joining only to get the combat training and then going AWOL or admit to doing meth, or causing problems of a psych nature, whatever, just to get put out. They don't want to have a future in the military they only want to learn the 'dirty' tricks so they can ply their trade with more efficiency once they return to the block! There have been stories on the web and both local and national TV news. Please, don't believe me!! Go ask a recruiter to deny it's happening and see what you're told! Pay attention, he is trying to sell you something.

From what I've seen over my 20 years Active Duty not much other than lip-service is paid to rape victims. I've counseled them. The 'wall' is up and firm and in pristine working order. Commanders want and need 'their guns' to be deployable on a moments notice. And they could care less what these guns have done to mere clerks or suppy ppl so long as they can go and shoot 'bad guys'.

All soldiers face danger, it's the nature of the beast, comes with the job. Yours are probably only just a bit more than slight. Please don't mis-read me here, sometimes women do get killed, but, no woman has ever died from being raped.. only. The real shame of it all is that some of the dangers you 'might' face are coming from members of your own team!

Answer 11

In the US military it's less of a problem than in the general population. We're a closeknit community with higher standards of conduct and we don't tolerate bad actors.