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A little over half way through the report on #FortHood. Believe it's fairly safe to say that you could scratch off "Fort Hood" on the cover page and substitute "US Army." We've known this. The findings do not surprise. Therein lies the problem. 1/
The fact that it took several tragedies, including the case of #VanessaGuillen, to conduct a holistic review of climate and the SHARP program at Fort Hood does not inspire confidence or trust that we understand the breadth and depth of the problem. Where's the next review? 2/
During my final 1.5 years in uniform I served at the Army Review Board Agency where I was a member on a number of Army boards (and ran the board that handled evaluation appeals and requests to transfer or remove derogatory information from a Soldier's file). 3/
My look behind curtain showed me that despite the best efforts of some absolutely fantastic leaders and Soldiers, the institution that I served and love has a problem—a problem it refuses to come to grips with. 4/
The victims I heard from through either depositions or in person testimony are how I know this to be true. When people say' "Listen to victims," I understand. I've listened to them. I've seen them beg us—beg the Army—to hold their offenders accountable, keep them incarcerated, 5/
or to grant them—the victim—a discharge upgrade as their SA or SH led to PTSD, which led to self-medication....Then they were labeled a problem. No one believed them. 6/
They were ridiculed and ostracized by the very "leaders" who should have been ensuring they were safe, had services, and that their offenders were held to account. Instead, they were administratively discharged from an institution that took their sense of security and trust. 7/
Perhaps just as disturbing was seeing many leaders -- yes, NCOs, Officers, and GOs write character references for offenders or express their support for their retention, and or the transfer or removal of derogatory information from their files. 8/
"I have known Major x for 10 years and he has never maltreated me. I find this allegation to be completely out of character...." the reference frequently states. Who cares? Why does that matter? Do we still not understand how sexual harassment and assault occur? 9/
Due to working these cases across the Army, I've seen everybody's work. Some of us are not who we say we are. Some feign allyship. Others see their friends blame victims at formation—or in the comments section of the Army Times—and do not call them out for it. 10/
Still others look at Soldiers as "Readiness" (as the report states) instead of people—people with hopes, aspirations, and worth—people deserving of their dignity and respect. 11/
It's appalling that it took these tragedies and the resultant social pressure for the Army to investigate. Soldiers—primarily led by women in uniform have been telling us this for years. In the era of "People First," what did we think was more important? 12/
I personally know some of those who were relieved or suspended. I'm glad they are being held accountable—Soldiers and the institution are more important. I hope SECARMY uses the report to implement lasting change. I hope he cleans house where needed. END/
