Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello. I am looking into all of the service academies, and my main interest in the military has always been the air force; however, as  Jewish girl the two recent scandals at the Air Force Academy concerning both sexual assault and religious intoleration frighten me a bit. Do you know if these two problems have mollified in the past year or so? Thank you.

ANSWER: Allyson,
Having spent done a tour of duty at the AF Academy as a commander, I can tell you a lot about it.  First of all, yes, these problems have changed.  The AF cracked down severely on the reasons which allowed these events to happen and the guilty parties were dealt with harshly.  The AF sent a clear signal that this type of behavior would not be tolerated.  In more recent years, new leadership was installed at the Academy, and they began sweeping changes to the Academy culture and environment to correct these problems and ensure they won't happen again.  Also, new reporting procedures have been produced, making it easier for cadets to report violations without fear of retribution.

Secondly, this kind of stuff happens at colleges and universities all over the country but they never get the publicity that a military academy gets.  Why not, you ask?  Because it so rarely ever happens at a military academy that when it does occur it's big news.  At any other university it wouldn't be newsworthy, just "Ho Hum, another day."  There's always an idiot in every crowd, and unfortunately a few slipped into the Academy, but they are history now.  In each case of rape, the problems stemmed from alcohol abuse.  Somebody sneaks in a bottle of booze, a party starts, and things get out of hand.

If you look at the facts in the cases concerning the religious intolerance you'll find they are not as alarming as news reporters would like you to believe.  In one case The Academy vice commander sent an e-mail message to all students promoting the National Day of Prayer.  A Jewish student reacted to that as being anti-semantic and cried discrimination because of his religious beliefs.  Apparently he wasn't smart enough to simply delete unwanted e-mail and an investigation was started.  Also there were allegations that evangelical Christians at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs were imposing their views on others.  Some Christian chaplains were accused of telling cadets to warn nonbelievers they would go to hell if they were not born-again Christians.  Again, that conflicts with AF policy and the offenders were punished appropriately.  The Air Force respects the First Amendment right to religious freedom.   An AF chaplain once said, "In the Air Force, we dispense religion like toothpaste.  We think everyone should have some, and we don’t care what brand of toothpaste or kind of religion a person uses.  That’s their private choice."

As for reports that cadets used religious slurs or disparaging remarks between cadets, what can I tell you?  As I said before, there's an idiot in every crowd and chances are he won't be around long.  As a commander, I can tell you that its hard to fix a problem without knowing the specifics.  Usually those discriminated against are reluctant to provide specific details and you can't act on generalities or hearsay.  If it happens to you, speak up and report it.  I guarantee the AF will not tolerate individuals who do such things.  You've probably heard a lot about the abuses but very little about the punishment.  That's because sensationalism sells newspapers, etc. not the humdrum events.  Because the Academy is a federal installation, crimes committed there are subject to federal law.  That means federal prison, not just jail.  Right now there are some former cadets pacing the floors in federal prison, lamenting over their stupidity.

I imagine you've seen pictures of the Air Force Academy's chapel.  It's famous for it architectural design.  All denominations use the same building.  There are different rooms for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, and Muslim services.  I know for a fact there are Friday Evening Sabbath Services at 7:00 p.m.  After you graduate from the Academy and begin your career as an AF officer, you'll find every base has a chapel, a multi-use building with services setup in much the same way.  For example at 9:00 a.m. they may have a "Full Gospel" service, at 11:00 a.m. there will be a protestant service, then they'll rearrange the furniture, candles, etc. for the 1:00 p.m. Catholic Service, and on Fridays the Jewish Rabbi takes over.  (Not all bases have Rabbis).  Many large bases have 2 or more chapels just for convenience, and all Airmen are encouraged to attend if they wish

Please forgive me for providing such a long answer to a simple question, but I want you to have the real facts.  I strongly believe you'll have no problem.  Those that become statistics are usually weak-willed individuals who allow themselves to be taken advantage of.  Just getting into the Academy is a feat in itself, so by far the majority of young men and women you'll meet have high moral standards and will not stoop to such practices.
For now, spend your time deciding what career field you wish to enter, and don't worry about Academy life.
I wish you the best of luck in getting into the Academy, and a successful AF career.  You'll love it.
Colonel H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have a question now concerning career fields. Ideally, I would like to get into public affairs or intelligence (I'm 2 inches too short to fly). Do you know how hard these commissions are to receive from the Air Force Academy. Thank you. Allyson.

Answer
Allyson,
As for the two choices you mentioned, go for the Intel.  It's a highly visible job with plenty of opportunity for advancement.  Most intel officers will at least make Lt Col in their careers.  Nobody goes to war or flys without an Intel brief.  Most Colonels and Generals get a daily briefing from the Intel officer so they can keep abreast of what's going-on in the world.  Additionally, when you depart the Service,Intel officers are in great demand in the civilian world.

Although Public Affairs is an important job, the PA officer on a base is typically a Captain.  Compared to all the other career fields it just doesn't rate high enough to require higher ranking officers. Unfortunately, it's looked upon as kind of a dead-end job.

Colonel H