Category: Military Policy

Is the chain of command interfering with justice in military sexual assault cases?

On By AdministratorIn Domestic Violence, Felony Crime, Military Policy, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

Kirsten Gillibrand

Is the chain of command interfering with justice in military sexual assault cases?

In the military, the chain of command is the foundation of discipline and order, but in recent months, legislators and many members of the military have become concerned that it’s become an obstacle to prosecuting claims of sexual harassment and sexual assault. Opponents of the current system think it intimidates victims from bringing claims to senior officers, while proponents see the military’s system as more than adequate in ensuring a fair process.

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has been building support for her proposed legislation which would remove commanding officers from being the final arbiter of sexual harassment and assault cases, but opponents argue that the current system insures trials that are fair and balanced.

How important is preserving the chain of command? And should sexual assault cases be held to different criteria in military courts?

Listen here: http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2013/09/23/33845/is-the-chain-of-command-interfering-with-justice-i/

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Reaches Epidemic Levels Among Veterans

On By AdministratorIn Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental IllnessLeave a comment

Veterans AffairsPost Traumatic Stress Disorder Reaches Epidemic Levels Among Veterans

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 20 percent of Iraqi War  veterans, and 11 percent of those returning from the war in Afghanistan, suffer  from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mental health issues among service  members have reached a crisis level. The Department of Defense and the Veterans  Administration have recognized the gravity of this epidemic and are now actively  supporting mind-body modalities, from yoga to mindfulness practice, as a  complement to traditional drug and talk therapies for veterans.

Read more:  http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1513185#ixzz2hEnICLNd

Veterans, impatient over shutdown, demand protection for VA benefits

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Veterans AffairsVeterans, impatient over shutdown, demand protection for VA benefits

WASHINGTON — Veterans groups, angry that they are being used as political pawns, are lashing out at lawmakers, telling them to find an end to the government shutdown and ensure that veterans benefits and services aren’t disrupted.

Read more: http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans-impatient-over-shutdown-demand-protection-for-va-benefits-1.245115

Naval Academy superintendent doesn’t have to recuse himself from sexual assault case

On By AdministratorIn Military Policy, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

US Naval Academy InsigniaNaval Academy superintendent doesn’t have to recuse himself from sexual assault case

A federal judge on Monday denied an attempt to force the superintendent of the Naval Academy to recuse himself from a case of alleged sexual assault by three former Navy football players.

The victim of the alleged assault — a 21-year-old female midshipman — had filed a federal lawsuit seeking an injunction that would require the academy’s superintendent, Vice Adm. Michael H. Miller, to give up authority over the case. Miller is responsible for deciding whether the three accused midshipmen should face courts-martial, the military equivalent of trials.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/naval-academy-superintendent-doesnt-have-to-recuse-himself-from-sexual-assault-case/2013/10/07/27a0cbf8-2f9b-11e3-bbed-a8a60c601153_story.html

Judge declines to require Naval Academy superintendent to recuse himself in sex assault case

On By AdministratorIn Military Policy, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

USNAJudge declines to require Naval Academy superintendent to recuse himself in sex assault case

BALTIMORE — A federal judge on Monday declined to order the U.S. Naval Academy superintendent to recuse himself from deciding whether three midshipmen face a court-martial in a sexual assault case.

U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander said she could not find precedent for a federal court to interfere with a pending investigation in military court.

Read more: http://www.tribtown.com/view/story/a13afd477169454194bfc8cefed76630/US-Naval-Academy-Sexual-Assault

Army expanding mental health program despite research

On By AdministratorIn Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, SuicideLeave a comment

Raymond T. OdiernoArmy expanding mental health program despite research

The Army is expanding a $50-million-per-year program created in 2009 to help soldiers withstand mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder despite research by its own scientists showing it does nothing to reduce PTSD.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/nation/2013/10/07/army-resilience-training-research-criticism/2938069/

12 Steps of PTSD by Randy Hartman, Ph.D

On By AdministratorIn Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, Sexual Assault, Suicide1 Comment

12 Steps of PTSD by Randy Hartman, Ph.D

Breaking the Silence Around PTSD in the Military

On By AdministratorIn Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, SuicideLeave a comment

PTSD

Breaking the Silence Around PTSD in the Military

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is heavily stigmatized in the military/police/veterans community. First, any form of mental illness is often seen as a sign of weakness — a cardinal sin in those organizations. Second, there is a pervasive belief that anyone claiming PTSD is faking it in order to receive medical benefits. It is often held that the only people ‘entitled’ to have PTSD are those who saw combat, witnessed genocide, etc, and that anyone else is a faker.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/jeff-rosemartland/ptsd-and-the-military_b_4016389.html?just_reloaded=1

Why Everyone Should Be a Wingman

On By AdministratorIn Military Policy, PTSD, TBI, Mental Illness, SuicideLeave a comment

1st Air Cavalry Brigade ground troops build on advanced skillsWhy Everyone Should Be a Wingman

After 12 years with the nation at war, it’s no wonder that military families are under stress and overwhelmed. Spouses and service members alike deal with the strain of prolonged separations. Husbands and wives of deployed members endure extended periods where they must raise children alone.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sue-hoppin/why-everyone-should-be-a-_b_4017005.html

Military high court to hear HIV exposure case

On By AdministratorIn Felony Crime, Military Policy, Sexual AssaultLeave a comment

USAF SealMilitary high court to hear HIV exposure case

WICHITA, Kan. — The highest court for the U.S. armed forces has agreed to hear the appeal of a Kansas airman convicted of assault for exposing multiple sex partners to HIV at swinger parties in Wichita, his attorney said Friday.

Read more: http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/national_news/military-high-court-to-hear-hiv-exposure-case/article_5442bf34-29ee-11e3-a7d6-0019bb2963f4.html