Not All Military Trauma Occurs Directly From Combat

Not All Military Trauma Occurs Directly From Combat More And More Oft

Not all military trauma occurs directly from combat. More and more often it is resulting from sexual assault that occurs while serving in the military. This occurs in every manner: male to female, male to male, female to male, female to female. The common denominator is a sexual experience lacking in consent. These sexual encounters result in some kind of trauma to the victim, which is compounded due to the perpetrator either being in the same unit or within the chain of command.

The context and the culture of the military can make it difficult to report, seek justice, or receive treatment. This paper aims to explain the causes, victims, consequences, and evidence-based treatments related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST). It will also analyze reasons why MST continues to occur, considering how power, privilege, and marginalization of social identity factors contribute to the persistence of MST. Finally, the paper will propose recommendations for eliminating MST altogether.

Understanding Military Sexual Trauma: Causes, Victims, and Consequences

Military Sexual Trauma is an umbrella term used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (2013) to describe sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual experiences that occur while serving in the military. The causes of MST are multifaceted, rooted in the hierarchical and often hyper-masculine culture of the military institution. This environment fosters power imbalances, enabling perpetrators to misuse authority, which makes victims reluctant to report incidents for fear of retaliation or stigma (Rubin, Weiss, & Coll, 2013). The military setting often emphasizes strength, stoicism, and loyalty, which can inadvertently conceal or normalize inappropriate behaviors, thus perpetuating the cycle of trauma (Dick, 2014).

Victims of MST encompass all gender identities and ages but are disproportionately female, although male victims are often underreported due to stigma and societal expectations (Lester & Flake, 2013). Victims suffer from various psychological, emotional, and physical consequences, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and strained relationships. The trauma experienced can have lasting impacts on their mental health and overall well-being, often hindering military careers and resulting in long-term disabilities (Suzannah & Gabriela, 2017).

The trauma's consequences extend beyond individual suffering, affecting military readiness, unit cohesion, and overall organizational performance. Victims frequently face barriers to reporting MST, such as fear of reprisal, belief that reporting is futile, or concerns about damaging their careers. The military culture's stigmatization of victims and the tendency to view sexual misconduct as misconduct of character contribute to underreporting and a cycle where trauma remains unaddressed (Rubin et al., 2013).

Factors Contributing to the Persistence of MST: Power, Privilege, and Marginalization

The persistent occurrence of MST is intricately linked to issues of power, privilege, and social identity marginalization within the military. The hierarchical structure inherently creates power differentials, which perpetrators exploit to dominate or intimidate victims (Dick, 2014). Additionally, male dominance in military culture often perpetuates toxic masculinity, discouraging victims, especially women, from speaking out. The marginalization of minority groups—including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ service members, and those with disabilities—further exacerbates their vulnerability to MST, as they may encounter additional obstacles in reporting or accessing support services (Lester & Flake, 2013).

Privilege and social power within the military context can shield perpetrators from accountability, particularly when those in positions of authority commit acts of misconduct. This dynamic is reinforced by institutional cultures that prioritize loyalty and concealment over transparency and justice. Marginalized groups often face compounded trauma, as they are more likely to experience discrimination, ostracization, or ridicule, making them especially susceptible to exploitation and less likely to seek help (Suzannah & Gabriela, 2017).

These entrenched systemic issues perpetuate a cycle of impunity and trauma, hindering progress toward a safe and equitable military environment. Addressing these root causes requires a comprehensive understanding of how social identities influence experiences and reporting behaviors related to MST (Rubin et al., 2013).

Strategies and Recommendations for Eliminating Military Sexual Trauma

Eliminating MST entirely requires a multi-pronged, systemic approach. First, reforms should focus on transforming military culture by promoting gender equality, respect, and accountability. Implementing mandatory comprehensive training on consent, bystander intervention, and diversity awareness can foster a safer environment (Dick, 2014). Leadership development programs must emphasize the importance of zero tolerance for misconduct and the role of commanders in cultivating a respectful climate.

Second, establishing independent reporting channels—free from hierarchical influence—can empower victims to come forward without fear of retaliation. Such mechanisms should be accessible, confidential, and equipped with trained personnel to handle cases empathetically and effectively (Rubin et al., 2013). Additionally, legislative measures need to reinforce protections for victims and impose strict penalties on offenders.

Third, providing targeted support services for victims, including mental health counseling, legal assistance, and peer support groups, can aid recovery and encourage reporting. Training military healthcare providers and social workers in trauma-informed care specific to MST enhances intervention effectiveness (Suzannah & Gabriela, 2017).

Finally, addressing systemic issues of power and privilege involves ongoing efforts to diversify leadership, promote inclusive policies, and challenge harmful stereotypes. Increasing representation of marginalized groups within the military and fostering an environment of accountability is essential to create lasting change (Lester & Flake, 2013).

Overall, the eradication of MST necessitates a cultural shift supported by policy reforms, education, accountability, and dedicated resources for victim support, aligning military values with principles of justice and equality.

Conclusion

Military Sexual Trauma continues to be a grievous issue rooted in the power dynamics and cultural norms of the military. Its causes are intertwined with systemic hierarchies, gender stereotypes, and marginalization of vulnerable social identities. Victims suffer profound psychological and physical consequences, which are often compounded by barriers to reporting and receiving justice. Addressing MST effectively requires comprehensive reforms that challenge cultural norms, promote leadership accountability, ensure victim support, and foster an inclusive environment. Ultimately, eliminating MST hinges on transforming the military into a culture rooted in respect, equity, and zero tolerance for misconduct.

References

• Department of Veterans Affairs. (2013). I am a caregiver / family member. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-care-management-services/military-sexual-trauma/
• Dick, G. (2014). Social work practice with veterans. NASW Press.
• Lester, P., & Flake, E. (2013). How wartime military service affects children and families. The Future of Children, 23(2), 121–141.
• Rubin, A., Weiss, E. L., & Coll, J. E. (2013). Handbook of military social work. Wiley.
• Suzannah, K. C., & Gabriela, M. (2017). Parenting with PTSD: A review of research on the influence of PTSD on parent-child functioning in military and veteran families. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1101. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01101
• United States Department of Defense. (2014). Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military. Department of Defense.
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