President Obama Warns That Sexual Assaults Threaten Military Strength

President Barack Obama is worried about the toll sexual harassment in the military is having on the strength of US forces.

Speaking at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland President Obama told the graduating class that they need to fully honor the Navy’s moral code and show honor on the job.

In his speech, Obama writes:

“Those who commit sexual assault are not only committing a crime, they threaten the trust and discipline that makes our military strong. That is why we have to be determined to stop these crimes, because they have got no place in the greatest military on earth.”

President Obama’s remarks arrive shortly after a Pentagon report estimated that 26,000 US Military members were sexually assaulted in 2012. The Pentagon also notes that thousands of more military services members are likely too scared or unwilling to file a sexual harassment report.

After warning about the negative effects that sexual harassment has on the military, the POTUS turned his attention to the use of unmanned drones to target alleged terrorists. In his speech, President Obama echoed the message he delivered earlier in the week, noting:

“Even as we move beyond deploying large ground armies abroad, we still need to conduct precise, targeted strikes against terrorists before they kill our citizens. And even as we stay vigilant in the face of terrorism and stay true to our Constitution and our values, we need to stay ready for the full range of threats.”

In supporting the troops, the President also said he wants Congress to immediately end budget cuts that threaten military spending and in relation to the country’s ability to defend itself. Despite current budget cuts, the President promised to provide the troops with the resources they need to fight a winning battle.

Do you think sexual harassment can tear at the fabric of US military strength?