Service Women: Know The Code

Recently, the military’s harassment scandals made headlines. I served in the U.S. Army from 1976 to 1983 with about a year of it in the Womens Army Corp. With my many military experiences, I could write a book, as could many other women who have served our country.

However, I would like to address only one issue - the many tactics of sexual harassment.

Years ago, people who gave me rides in Quincy thought I was lazy, not realizing I was afraid. It was because some servicemen would yell things at me when I walked in fatigues or in modest civilian clothes on military bases. Some would approach me for a light or ask me the time. When I obliged them, they became personal. They yelled obscenities when I turned them down and walked away. It got so I would ignore them when they asked for something and they would still yell at me.

By the time I was a staff sergeant, I became educated about the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The code has many provisions in it that prohibit harassment behaviors, such as “conduct unbecoming an officer and gentlemen.”

One day I was in my civilian clothes on my way to the PX. As I walked by an all-male barracks, about three guys proceeded to yell at me. I went into the building to report it to the “charge of quarters.” He was one rank below me, a sergeant.

I informed him about the offense. At first, he brushed me off until I quoted articles from the uniform code to defend myself. I presented my identification showing him my rank. This was when he became attentive and wrote it in his log. Eventually, I was able to walk by the unit without harassment. Of course, this was just one drop in the bucket.

But why did rank matter? Privates can use the uniform code in the same way as those with higher rank. But I did not know this until I took leadership courses.

In my experience, the harassment sent the message that I was not a valuable member of the military, but was there to entertain the troops. Have you ever heard the expression “The Army takes care of its own?”

I do not want my story to discourage women from considering military careers. Things have changed since 1983, and I believe one can make the service a great career. Women can, and should, serve their country proudly.

MEMO: “Your turn” is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a “Your turn” column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write “Your turn,” The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane 99210-1615.