Obama: Sexual assault threatens trust in military

Obama: Sexual assault threatens trust in military

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — With a growing sexual assault epidemic staining the military, President Barack Obama urged U.S. Naval Academy graduates today to remember their honor depends on what they do when nobody is looking and said the crime has “no place in the greatest military on earth.”

The commander in chief congratulated the 1,047 midshipmen graduating at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, telling the 841 men and 206 women that they have proven themselves morally by meeting rigorous standards at the academy. But their commencement celebration came in the midst of reports of widespread sexual assault throughout the military, and Obama ended his 20-minute address by recognizing “how the misconduct of some can have effects that ripple far and wide.”

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