THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 25, 1995 TAG: 9511230046
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
So what is the problem with the Navy? Didn't everyone get the word regarding sexual harassment/misconduct? Of course they did.
No amount of training will get everyone to obey all regulations. There will always be that one individual acting improperly on his own.
The problem is the 20 or so other military personnel who did nothing, turned a blind eye, in effect condoned the action of the chief petty officer on that Oct. 27 flight. I'm not involved. I'm not responsible.
Hopefully Adm. Mike Boorda's stand down will concentrate on the responsibilities of seniors (admiral through petty officer) taking action when juniors behave inappropriately. And just as important, educate juniors (petty officer to admiral) to report inappropriate behavior by seniors through proper channels.
The Navy is a microcosm of the American society. If you think the Navy is the only organization that needs to improve, you may be wrong. What did you do the last time a co-worker took something home from work, you saw someone dump trash on a deserted street, shoplift from a store or harass another person? Think about it.
MATT YEAGER
Master chief, U.S. Navy (ret.)
Chesapeake, Nov. 10, 1995 by CNB