The Army says it will court-martial Sgt. Maj. Gene McKinney on 20 counts of sexual harassment, including adultery, indecent assault, soliciting sex, and threatening a female soldier. If convicted, he will face up to 50 years in prison, and receive a dishonorable discharge. McKinney, the Army’s top elisted man and an African-American, has denied the charges brought by six white women and says the case has been racially motivated. His attorney claims that if the case goes to trial, McKinney will reveal sexual misconduct on the part of other senior officers that has gone unpunished. Responding to increased complaints about sexual harassment and assault in the military, Civilian Army Secretary Togo West announced last month that along with extending boot camp for education on gender issues and improved treatment of women, the Army would make the selection process for drill sergeants tighter by using psychological tests to screen candidates.
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