http://www.politico.com/story/2013/08/pentagon-sexual-assault-pressure-95177.html?hp=f1
The Pentagon, desperate to show Congress it’s serious about cracking down on sexual assault in the ranks, is preparing to unveil another round of new policies as soon as this week.But there’s a catch: the Defense Department keeps pitching ideas they’re about to be forced to follow anyway.Adm. James Winnefeld, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave a preview last week of one of the half-dozen new rules, explaining it would speed up the role a commander plays in sex assault cases — a requirement prominent in this year’s House-passed defense bill.Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel did the same thing this spring when he announced an expert panel studying the issue had 12 months, not 18, to complete its work — an idea kicking around on the Hill that ended up in the House and Senate bills.
IMO the brass wants to hold on to the "decider" role, to be able to protect those they want to get vaway with it as oppose to those who will serve as proof they are doing something. more good 'ol boy network and dialed back war on women/men,
it's remarkable how the military and state goverments are reluctant to put the limit out for sexual assault, it's like they want to keep it open and allow it to happen then deal with it if it gets pass the brass.
Neither new rule goes nearly as far in changing the system as a proposal picking up momentum in the Senate that would remove the chain of command from prosecuting sex assault cases, a proposal the Pentagon has lobbied ferociously to block, arguing the change would have vast unintended consequences.The fact the Pentagon is volunteering more new steps, even if the ideas aren’t original, suggests that for the first time in 25 years of promising Congress to solve the problem of sexual assault, it’s finally starting to feel the pressure. So for now, its better to look pro-active than risk the worst — and take a direct blow to its hierarchy if the chain of command is removed.
BS they only serve the purpose of freeing some and keeping it quiet like the Catholic church the brass that makes the decision as to the woman lied or he was drunk but not responsible.
we used to say "it's not who you know, it's who you blow". just sayin'
