Military sex assault reports rise, even as Army numbers fall

By LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials tell The Associated Press the number of reported sexual assaults across the military inched up by about 1% last year, as a sharp decline in Army numbers offset large increases in the other three services. The small overall uptick is significantly less than the 13% jump the Pentagon saw in 2021. It’s overshadowed by the fact the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps had more reports last year than the previous year. Congress has pressured the military to reduce sexual assaults. Defense officials argue increased reporting is a positive trend, showing more troops are willing to come forward. A Pentagon report is expected to be released Thursday.