In today’s Vagina News, Australia shows us what real leadership looks like on the subject of institutional sexism in the military (and everywhere else.)
Like the US, Australia is dealing with increasing reports of military sexual misconduct. Accusations center around distribution of sexually demeaning images and videos and a culture of disrespect toward female soldiers; Important issues, but nothing approaching the epidemic of military sexual assault within the US military.
But whereas the US military leadership has responded to the crisis with excuses and support for maintaining a policy that punishes victims and enables perpetrators, Australian Chief of Army, Lieutenant-General David Morrison is pulling no punches in making his position clear.
This level of integrity is what is missing from the US military leadership’s response to the epidemic of military sexual assault, and the vacuum created by its absence bears a significant portion of the blame.