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Army Delays Release of Sexual Harassment Reports

The Army has delayed the release of two reports on sexual harassment which it had previously scheduled to make public on July 31. Secretary of the Army Togo West claims he wants to keep reports confidential until the service forms an “action plan” to present to Congress. A military and civilian panel conducted one study and the Army’s inspector general directed the other after investigators discovered male drill sergeants at Maryland’s Aberdeen Proving Ground training camp sexually assaulted female recruits. Officials say the findings criticize the Army for mishandling the integration of women, especially in training. Areas the Army has dealt with inadequately include proper screening of prospective drill sergeants and teaching trainees how to halt unwanted advances. Another study, this one chaired by former senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker, will be released in December. This investigation may lead Congress to vote on legislation ordering the Army to return to segregated training.

Sources:

USA Today - July 29, 1997

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