Air Force to Discharge Sexual Assault Offenders

The Air Force will discharge airmen who commit sexual assault, officials announced Thursday in what is the service’s latest -- and toughest -- measure to solve the problem.

The discharges are just part of several new changes that have been put in place in recent months after the problem of sexual assault received national attention and a wave of congressional oversight. The Air Force is the service with the most women serving in it, but it’s also been highly embarrassed by several high-profile cases, including a sexual assault prevention officer who was arrested for battery outside an Arlington, Va., strip club earlier this year. Those charges were dropped on Thursday

"Sexual assault has no place in our Air Force," said Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force chief of staff, in a statement. "We live in a culture of respect. We cherish our core values of integrity, service and excellence. But in order to ensure all airmen experience and benefit from those values, we must eliminate sexual assault in our ranks."

To show that they’re serious, the Air Force last month put a two-star general in charge of its Sexual Assault Prevention Office. Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward, who’s best known for commanding the no-fly zone in Libya in 2011, vowing to crack down on the problem.

Commanders additionally must now review any action taken on sexual assault cases, Air Force Capt. Allison DeVito said in a statement. And, she said, any “airman who engaged in an unprofessional relationship while serving in a special position of trust -- such as a recruiter or military training instructor -- also is subject to administrative discharge. Airmen who are involuntarily separated from the Air Force under these provisions may receive a discharge under ‘other than honorable’ conditions.”

Also, airmen must also be advised of their right to request a review by a general officer. The case can be reviewed if an airman believes the commander's recommendation for involuntary separation was initiated in retaliation for having made an unrestricted report of a sexual assault within the previous 12 months.

“This change eliminates the perception that an airman who reports a sexual assault may be subject to discharge simply for reporting,” DeVito said.

The new policies were put into effect on July 2.