The Marine Corps has charged two drill instructors with raping female students at the Ft. Leonard Wood military training base in Missouri. The charges are part of a continuing investigation against seven Marine instructors, who were brought up on sexual misconduct charges, including sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual relations with students, last April. The rape charges involve separate incidents that allegedly occurred in June 2000. With these latest charges, some officials believe that the extent and seriousness of the misconduct may be much more widespread than previously thought.
One of the officers charged with rape has already pled guilty to improper fraternization with a student and to the receipt, possession, and transportation of child pornography. He is currently in the brig at Quantico, with his rank reduced to private. If convicted, the officers could face life sentences.