Thank you to the two Majors who wrote in to share their experiences.

I think their words and attitudes are exactly that of many women in the military who see the language and assaults that happen in the military as minimal. Even civilian women think of the harassment they see around them as minimal. This changes very often when, sadly, a woman personally faces these events.

I am fortunate that I never experienced assault in the military, but I daily heard sexist and homophobic insults. I also saw married men and women break UCMJ and carry on sexual relationships.
MAJ Peters asks if these things are reported and I have to tell her and all the readers; NO, very often these daily things are not reported because you learn to live with them. THIS IS THE PROBLEM. As long as these words and actions are normalized woman AND men will continue to accept and perpetrate them. As long as domestic violence is seen as the end of a caree not as a very serious problem women will be encouraged not to report it. As long as lesbians fear being dishonorably discharged for rebuking and reporting sexual advances they will be silent. Many people who do report sexual assault and harassment find themselves punished, ostracized or ignored. I helped another basic trainee report being grabbed between the legs. Afterwards every male trainee that passed her called ber a bitch or a slut. Do you think she will report something the next time?

It might be that the two women who are both officers, Majors, have military career's that have been filled with nothing but the utmost respect. But I tend to think that is not the case. I tend to think, as is evident by their own words, that they want to value the good over the bad but this is SO dangerous to the men and women who are assaulted. I was THE SAME WAY in the military. When its your identity its harder to question it. I understand this. I hope anyone reading really really examines the words from the Majors so they can understand why these things continue to happen in the military. We are trained, as the very women who could be the target of these assaults, to blame the victims and to minimize the danger. This doesn't mean the Majors are bad women, and I in no way am saying that. In fact I see my own former mindset in what they say and hope they use their position of influence to help those who need it, which too often can be very dangerous and detrimental to their careers.

Both Major's do seem to still be in the military presently as per their required disclaimer that their opinions do not reflect the official policy of the US Govt, but I'd say they very much do.