Recruiters as predators

Ukiah, Calif.

At least 83 U.S. military recruiters were disciplined last year for sexually preying on potential female recruits, the Associated Press reported this week. An AP review of records released under the Freedom of Information Act found that more than 100 women who had ventured into recruitment centers—many 18 and younger—were allegedly subjected to sexual assaults ranging from rape to unwanted touching. One woman in Ukiah described drinking with a Marine Corps recruiter, then having sex with him on the floor of a recruiting office while two other recruiters had sex with two of her friends. “I had a freakout session and just passed out,” she said. “When I woke up I was sick and ashamed.” The recruiter named in that incident left the Marines with a less-than-honorable discharge. Few of the recruiters disciplined were charged with crimes, the records show, but instead, most were demoted or forced from the service. “This is not indicative of the entire command of 8,000 recruiters,” said an Army spokesman. ��We take this very seriously.”