Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal Report Cites 'Abuse Of Power' Amid Petraeus, Allen Probe
Source: Huffington Post
A U.S. military shaken by the resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus and the investigation of its top commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Allen, announced Wednesday that one of the largest sex scandals in its history has widened, enveloping at least eight commanders and nearly 50 possible victims.
The Air Force released its report on the scandal at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where members of the Air Force go through basic training. Investigations of at least 25 military training instructors have led to charges against 11, and have resulted in five convictions, from rape to inappropriate relationships with recruits. Two commanding officers have been removed, and Air Force Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., commander of Air Education and Training Command, said at a press conference Wednesday that six more have received "disciplinary action."
Chief of Air Force Safety Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward, who conducted the investigation, found evidence of a weakness in safeguards, leadership and accountability at Lackland, leading to an "ever-present" abuse of power, according to a Department of Defense statement.
Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/lackland-scandal-petraeus-allen_n_2133660.html
Berlum
(7,044 posts)Surely this, um, sex stuff, cannot be so?
DallasNE
(7,403 posts)In an organization like the military. When I served 50 years ago the corruption was a real eye opener. In basic training I saw fellow soldiers give booze to the platoon sargeant in exchange for not being picked for crummy assignments. At my next stop I was ordered to help unload hundreds of pounds of meat from the mess hall into the back of a private station wagon while on KP. Meat intended for the troops. I also saw equipment like tents removed from the supply depot and hauled away. There wasn't even any attempt to hide what was going on. Yes, this is pretty small stuff but it seemed to be everywhere you turned and indeed it was "ever present". Later, I was given an Article 15 when I attempted to be a whistle blower. How is that for abuse of power. Power married with lack of oversight will always lead to problems such as this. When people are abused and have no place to turn the abuse will only continue and spread until it becomes so large there is no covering it up any longer, when a few people get charged, but it will only erupt again because nothing permanent is done to actually correct the problem so the cycle repeats.
BlueToTheBone
(3,747 posts)How horrible for you. It must have been incredibly traumatic. Thanks for trying though.
not surprised at this truth. All this poster claims, is true. This type of behavior has been present since the dawn of the military and all the free stuff in supply. Oh yeah there will be 'surprised' outrage, hand wringing, condemnation of perpetrators but as soon as the spotlight goes out it will be business as usual, It's just the human condition and our nature. To you dalasne
redqueen
(115,103 posts)Air Force Releases Lackland Sex Abuse Investigation Results
http://www.feminist.org/news/newsbyte/uswirestory.asp?id=13977
ROBROX
(392 posts)When I was in the service I considered it legalized slavery since all you were given was low pay, meals and CRAP. At least promotion was not based on shiny shoes like in the army. I was promoted and I got out with an excellent background to repair electronics.
I had no respect for officers who just ate and slept. They should be required to do regular work to ensure they become well balanced versus fat clucks.