Supporting Our Service Members Truthfully Speaks to Their Heart
Spending time in San Diego as I prepared for an episode of "United Shades of America" taught me an essential lesson about understanding the U.S. military. The city is home to the most significant military population in the country, and I had the chance to speak with veterans who could offer an unfiltered perspective on the complexities of military life.
No matter their size, all the critiques they had to share were matched by their immense pride in their service. When I thanked them for their sacrifice, I couldn't help but ask - what is the best way to support our military? It's a question I heard from vets time and time again, and the answer was always the same, yet surprising: it's not about words of thanks or blind loyalty, but by standing up for and protecting our troops when they can't do so themselves.
This may seem strange when talking about those who go to war to protect us, but it's true. Although we are conditioned to believe that there's nothing more patriotic than serving our country, we're slowly becoming more and more aware of the times when our military fails to adequately protect and support its own. Sadly, serving in the U.S. military often makes our soldiers' already vulnerable soldiers even more vulnerable.
A significant part of this failure can be attributed to our legal system and the so-called Feres Doctrine. Introduced in the 1950 U.S. Supreme Court case Feres vs. United States, the Feres Doctrine states that the U.S. government is not liable for injuries or damages suffered by active-duty military personnel. The same stands if the injury is caused by military negligence, negligent procedure, or even felonious assault, with some exceptions.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Don Christensen, director of Protect America, a human rights organization advocating for the end of sexual assault in the military, shared his thoughts on the issue. "If you get injured in battle, you know there's a VA system to address those injuries," he said. "But what if you're injured due to negligence or intentional misconduct - like rape by a commanding officer? It's insane that you can't bring charges against your commander."
Although there is a military justice system in place, advocates like Christensen and retired National Guard Reserve JAG Officer Dwight Sterling, the founder of the Center for Law and Military Policy, believe that our military service members should be able to file court cases when they survive sexual assault. Sterling put it straightforwardly, saying, "If you were a prisoner and attacked by a fellow prisoner or a prison guard, you could go to court and file a complaint. But if you served in your country's uniform, that wouldn't be an option."
This unfair treatment underscores that those with more power and privilege in America - the very ones we levy our trust and rely on for protection - are often granted more rights than those who serve and protect us.
The inequity becomes even more glaring when one realizes how challenging it is to be considered a "good soldier" while also holding others in positions of power accountable. I had the opportunity to chat with Dana Pittard and Mary Tobin, both West Point graduates and combat veterans who've seen firsthand just how difficult it can be. In her role as the chief adviser to the Wounded Warrior Program of the American Legion, Tobin advocated for better support for wounded warriors. Pittard, who retired in 2015 as one of only a few two-star African American generals, served as deputy commander in Iraq and was a trusted figure in the Clinton administration. Yet, despite his years of service, his race remained forever etched in the minds of his fellow service members - especially at West Point, which is now named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
Pittard shared stories from his time at West Point, underlining the racism he encountered as he struggled to earn the respect he'd given to the institution for years. After joining two classmates in a room, he listened as one spoke aloud the still-unheard words of a Black man. "I went into the room, and I expected to hear something," Pittard said, "but (also) didn't expect to hear that. One of them ran out the room and said: 'Dana, I'm sorry.' I think you knew that we had worked together as first-year students and juniors. We were both civilians. And you're still, in your eyes, worthless?"
Pittard, Tobin, and other vets echoed struggles in holding relationships and leaders accountable while adhering to the military's strict standards. This pressure from within, combined with systemic issues, makes it even more challenging for enlisted soldiers to address systemic problems.
So what can be done?
Collaborate to Protect, Educate, and Empower
By joining forces with veterans, advocacy groups, and those who just want to take male and female action, it is possible to bring about change. Progress will happen one step at a time, and we must take responsibility to create a safe, caring, and nurturing environment for service members.
To achieve this goal, we need to address the following challenges:
- Addressing Feres Doctrine: Advocate for the repeal or revision of the Feres Doctrine and work on improving accountability for those who commit sexual assault within the U.S. military.
- Emotional Support: Encourage communication and active listening, providing resources and guidance for help when needed.
- Funding and Policies: Leverage resources like the Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veteran Affairs, and National Foundation for Credit Counseling to support mental health issues and financial needs.
- Legal Advocacy: Foster legislation to strengthen criminal procedures in the handling of sexual assault cases within the military.
Racial discrimination pursues those in the military as well, and it is especially challenging for those seeking to be considered "good soldiers" while holding their commanders and peers accountable. Until there are systemic changes within the military, it will remain a difficult challenge to erase.
It's up to society as a whole to ensure that we are nurturing the warriors who protect us, create a more inclusive culture, and recognize the essential contributions of every individual. By addressing these legacies of discrimination, we can create a nurturing, supportive environment for active-duty service members and veterans alike.
