What do you think about the Early Show's story about the Air Force airman who alleged rape?

Question

I provided the link to the story below. Anyways, here is a recap. The airman, age 19, went to a party and got drunk (we're talking almost twice the legal limit), and had sex with 3 other airmen, which she now alleges was rape. She refused to testify in the rape case, stating the defense had intimidated her. Now the Air Force has charged her (and the 3 guys) with underage drinking. The 3 guys took a plea deal and received reprimand, but she wants a trial now stands to be court-maritaled. What do you think about this?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/28/earlyshow/contributors/tracysmith/main3212398.shtml#Post

I am a military brat, desertviking_00, with a military investigator for a father. It was always presented to me that in cases such as this the article 15 was like a plea deal. You say, yeah I'm guilty, you get your reprimand. If you say, no I don't think I'm guilty, then you go to a court-marital trial.

I do agree with you about the extremely limited knowledge that CBS (and most other major news outlets) have about the military.

Answer 1

She had the opportunity to face punishment for the charges with her commanding officer under Article 15 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Instead, as is her right, she chose a Special Court-Martial instead. Her testimony in any court martial of the alleged rapists would have added little to the elements of proof, because (according to the story) there was no physical evidence of rape occuring when she was medically examined after the incident. The three accused did not take a "plea deal". They appeared before their commanding officer under Article 15 and received their punishment for the offenses which could be proven. There seemed to be insufficient evidence to have them stand trial by court-martial.
Of course, what the CBS news crew knows about the details of the military justice system can fit inside a military helmet with enough room left over for a quart of beer.

Answer 2

they all are quilty,all should get the same sentence