08/25/2025
🚨 SEEKING MST SURVIVORS AND ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FOR PODCAST SERIES🚨
*WJOB Beyond The Uniform Podcast is not affiliated with Veterans Views Radio Show and the opinions expressed by guests and co-hosts in "WJOB Beyond The Uniform Podcast" do not necessarily reflect the views of The American Legion, WJOB+JEDtv staff and Veterans Views Radio Show contributors & sponsors.*
It has been my experience that while many veterans are very supportive of MST survivors, FAR too male veterans in Northwest Indiana and beyond are not supportive and this needs to change. MST survivors deserve better.
While progress has been made in the way Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is being prosecuted, we still have a VERY LONG way to go; not all commands are complying with the UCMJ and new cases of MST are still occurring at alarming rates.
For these reasons, I am beginning a new series on the WJOB "BEYOND THE UNIFORM" Podcast dealing with this very serious issue. Check out the podcast episodes here:
https://www.wjob1230.com/beyond-the-uniform.html
If you want to be a part of this podcast series by sharing your story and/or contributing as an allied health practitioner helping MST survivors heal, comment on this post or contact me privately via Facebook messenger, text or email at: [email protected]
While the plan is to transition to a live, video podcast, at this time, Beyond The Uniform Podcast is an audio-only podcast and is pre-recorded so you will not be seen on camera and you can have your interview edited before it gets dropped. In addition, if you decide to be interviewed, you can remain anonymous and not not use your real name.
The institutional betrayal of improper discharges is a widespread abuse of MST survivors. After reporting sexual assault or harassment, many MST survivors have historically been improperly discharged for "personality disorder, "adjustment disorder,"or "character and behavior disorder" without even being medicall evaluated by diagnostiticians. It's a repulsive retraumatizing of the victim, effectively punishing them for the trauma they endured. This practice is a form of institutional betrayal that has resulted in devastating consequences.
Other than honorable discharges are sometimes referred to as "bad paper" because they carry a social stigma and make it difficult for veterans to get jobs. Loss of benefits, compounded trauma and mistreatment by men in the transition process are other ways MST survivors are retraumatized by a system that should be advocating for and protecting them.
Since December 2023, the prosecution of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and other major crimes has been formally removed from the military chain of command. Authority for these cases now rests with independent military prosecutors in the Offices of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC).
WHY THE CHANGE WAS MADE
The reform was established to address long-standing issues within the military justice system, which historically allowed commanders to influence the disposition of criminal cases. The new system aims to create a more just and transparent process by:
* Preventing conflicts of interest: A commander may face pressure to protect their unit's reputation or the career of an accused member, potentially influencing their decision to prosecute.
*Increasing accountability: Independent prosecutors are meant to provide more consistent and professional handling of serious criminal cases.
*Improving victim trust: The previous system often discouraged survivors from reporting due to a lack of faith in the process and fear of retaliation from their chain of command. The new system is designed to reassure survivors that their cases will be handled fairly.
HOW THE NEW SYSTEM WORKS
Special Trial Counsel: Trained, designated attorneys within the OSTC decide whether to file charges and send a case to trial, a decision previously made by commanders.
Covered offenses: The change applies to a range of serious crimes beyond sexual assault, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Other crimes: While major crimes are handled by the OSTC, commanders still maintain the authority to address minor offenses, insubordination, and other non-criminal misconduct.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE REFORM:
This shift marks one of the most significant changes to the U.S. military justice system since the creation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in 1950. It was implemented following years of advocacy by Congress and others who sought to combat the high rate of sexual assault within the armed forces.
While not exclusive to men, reports indicate that military sexual trauma (MST) survivors, both male and female, face significant mistreatment by some men upon discharge.
Survivors often receive improper discharges and encounter stigma, invalidation, and systemic barriers that hinder their access to earned benefits and care.
THE INSTITUTIONAL BETRAYAL OF IMPROPER DISCHARGES
After reporting sexual assault or harassment, many MST survivors have historically been improperly discharged for "personality disorder" or "adjustment disorder," effectively punishing them for the trauma they endured. This practice is a form of institutional betrayal that has resulted in devastating consequences:
Other than honorable discharges are sometimes referred to as "bad paper" because they carry a social stigma and make it difficult for veterans to get jobs.
LOSS OF BENEFITS
The character of a discharge can affect or completely eliminate a veteran's access to crucial benefits like the G.I. Bill and VA health care.
COMPOUNDED TRAUMA
Being labeled with a personality disorder after experiencing MST can feel like a "slap in the face," invalidating the survivor's experience and compounding the trauma.
MISTREATMENT BY MEN IN THE TRANSITION PROCESS
Specific challenges and mistreatment by some men during the discharge process have been reported by survivors:
Retaliation: Some MST survivors have faced retaliation from fellow service members after reporting an assault. This can lead to further harm and discourage others from speaking out.
FEAR OF DISBELIEF
Male MST survivors in particular face a pervasive stigma that discourages them from seeking help. Studies have found that men often fear they won't be believed, which can be linked to a need to preserve a "masculine image."
FRUSTRATION WITH THE CLAIMS PROCESS
In some cases, male VA employees have dismissed male MST survivors' claims as less valid than those of their female counterparts. Survivors who have their claims for MST-related PTSD denied often experience a "secondary injury" that exacerbates their symptoms and makes them less likely to appeal.
BARRIERS TO CARE IN THE TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE
After discharge, survivors face systemic issues and negative interactions that can affect their recovery.
Distrust of authority: Mistreatment by the military and a frustrating reporting process can lead to a general distrust of authority figures, including those in the VA.
DIFFICULTY TRUSTING OTHERS
The violation and betrayal of MST can lead to profound difficulties in personal relationships and trouble with intimacy, trust, and connection.
NAVIGATING THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (VA)
Although the VA has resources for MST survivors, some men may avoid seeking help due to a fear of not being believed or a lack of confidence in the system. Some male veterans report discomfort with an all-male waiting room at VA facilities or being asked to recount their trauma to multiple different providers.
INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES TO ADDRESS MISTREATMENT
The Department of Defense and the VA have made some institutional changes to address the mistreatment of MST survivors during and after the discharge process:
Reduced use of stigmatizing discharges: Following advocacy from organizations like Human Rights Watch, the DoD has significantly reduced its use of "personality disorder" discharges.
EXPANDED ACCESS TO CARE
The VA now provides free treatment for MST-related physical and mental health conditions, even for veterans with "other than honorable" discharges.
TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
The VA is working to implement trauma-informed practices, such as providing MST coordinators at every facility and training staff on how to better serve MST survivors.
ALTERNATIVE RESOURCES
The VA offers confidential and accessible counseling through Vet Centers and the Beyond MST mobile app, which allows survivors to engage with resources outside of a traditional VA hospital setting.
HOW TO FILE AN MST CLAIM
Military Sexual Trauma And Disability Compensation | Veterans Affairs
With your Co-Hosts Connie and Steve
