Thinking of Joining the Military? Better Read This First....

Yesterday, I was faced with one of those military personnel who said that speaking out about the rape epidemic is the same as bashing the military. Not only that, but then he opened the flood gates of abuses on me name calling and acting like he was better than me just because he was a male. This whole instance got me thinking- what would I say to someone who is thinking of joining? Would they still join if they knew what it really involves? I don't know, but I do know that at least they would be well informed before they made any decisions. So I ask are you thinking of joining the military? Do some research first. Here is some informative articles and documentaries I have compiled that can be a start for you. Also know that if this should happen to you you need to get in touch with a military rape crisis counselor. There are many organizations that take calls 24/7 so Google them and call. Do NOT call the VA Crisis Line. Call the rape crisis counselor who will tell you what steps to take and how to keep a copy of the evidence. There is a very good chance your command will try to have your evidence destroyed. You need that evidence for when you file for disability through the VA. I can't emphasize it enough, call the rape crisis counselor and go to a civilian hospital never ever go on base! http://nation.time.com/2013/05/09/fear-of-reprisal-the-quiet-accomplice-in-the-militarys-sexual-assault-epidemic/ http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/america-tonight/america-tonight-blog/2014/3/20/victims-of-militarysexualassaultappealtohumanrightscommission.html The Invisible War (http://invisiblewarmovie.com/), documentary, June 2012 The academy-award nominated documentary has helped bring the military’s rape crisis to national attention (http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/the-film-that-revolutionized-the-conversation-about-military-rape). Filmmakers interviewed victims and military personnel to reveal the overwhelming obstacles to prosecuting military rape, and how inadequate efforts have been so far to curbing sexual assault. Trauma Sets Female Veterans Adrift Back Home (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/us/female-veterans-face-limbo-in-lives-on-the-street.html), New York Times, February 2013 According to the Pentagon report, 48,100 women (and (http://www.thenation.com/blog/173522/new-study-demands-zero-tolerance-military-sexual-assault)43,700 men) reported (http://www.thenation.com/blog/173522/new-study-demands-zero-tolerance-military-sexual-assault) military sexual trauma last year, which studies say makes them nine times more likely (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15385701) to suffer from PTSD. This two-part New York Times series documents the struggles facing women veterans who’ve suffered from sexual assault, including homelessness and unemployment. The Rape of Petty Officer Blumer (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-rape-of-petty-officer-blumer-20130214?src=longreads), Rolling Stone, February 2013 The story of one naval officer’s rape details the consequences victims face for coming forward — consequences that keep most victims from reporting sexual attacks. After telling her superiors she had been raped, Rebecca Blumer was accused of lying, sexually harassed, denied promotions and ultimately discharged. Rape victims say military labels them 'crazy' (http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/14/health/military-sexual-assaults-personality-disorder), CNN, April 2012 A CNN investigation found another way the military handles rape accusations: labeling victims as emotionally unstable. After reporting a sexual assault, multiple service members were diagnosed with a personality disorder and discharged. Their abuse allegations were ignored. The Enemy Within (http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/the-military-s-rape-problem-20120913), National Journal, September 2012 What is it about the military that makes sexual assault so pervasive? The National Journal digs into the policies behind the statistics, and the legal loopholes exploited by sexual predators. Pentagon grapples with sex crimes by military recruiters (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/pentagon-grapples-with-sex-crimes-by-military-recruiters/2013/05/12/d082ec1c-b97e-11e2-bd07-b6e0e6152528_story.html), Washington Post, May 2013 Active service members aren’t the only ones vulnerable to sexual assault. A recent series of scandals across the country exposed military recruiters accused of sexually abusing young people looking to enlist. Betrayal in the Ranks (http://extras.denverpost.com/justice/tdp_betrayal.pdf), The Denver Post, 2004 The Denver Post spoke with more than 60 victims about their battle for justice, and the psychological trauma that lasted long after their assault. Many felt the military blamed them for their rape, while shielding their attackers from punishment.