Chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines gathered to address the issue of sexual assault in the military, saying it’s “like a cancer” with the potential to destroy the force.
The military leaders expressed opposition to congressional efforts that would eliminate the chain of command from investigations into sexual assault in the military, according to CNN.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sat with the head of each branch of the military and Pentagon lawyers to testify on what has recently been perceived as an epidemic of sexual assault in the armed forces.
Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said the issue of sexual assault in the military “is of such a scope and magnitude that it has become a stain on our military.”
Levin, head of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also expressed doubts about removing the chain of command from the investigation process. Some bills proposed by legislators assign investigational duties in sexual assault cases to military prosecutors.
“The military services are hierarchal organizations: The tone is set from the top of that chain, the message comes from the top, and accountability rests at the top,” Levin said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
“Reducing command responsibility could adversely affect the ability of the commander to enforce professional standards and ultimately, to accomplish the mission,” Gen. Dempsey told the committee.
Though they are unsure of some measures in some of the proposed legislation, the panel remains committed to finding a solution to address the widespread problem.
“Sexual assault and harassment are like a cancer within the force — a cancer that left untreated will destroy the fabric of our force,” Army Gen. Ray Odierno commented. “It's imperative that we take a comprehensive approach to prevent attacks, to protect our people, and where appropriate, to prosecute wrongdoing and hold people accountable.”
Recently, President Obama addressed Naval Academy graduates about the problem. The next day, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel spoke to West point cadets.
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