Investigations Shine Light on Military Issues: Abuse, Health Risks, and More
Journalists often grapple with stories that gnaw at them until they see the light of day. Such investigations not only bring awareness but also have the potential to spark significant changes. This year, a series of investigative reports highlighted critical issues within the military, from child abuse in care facilities to systemic health risks faced by military personnel.
Child Care Failures in Military Facilities
In late 2022, Military.com reporter Konstantin Toropin uncovered potential child abuse cases at the Navy Child Care Center in China Lake, California. By January 2024, Toropin and Steve Beynon reported similar concerns at the Army’s Carlisle Barracks, and local news in Hawaii reported abuse accusations at Pearl Harbor’s facility. This pointed to a systemic issue in military child care services, marked by inadequate oversight and insufficient notification to families about problems. Despite initial silence from the Army and Pentagon, their investigation led to a request for an Inspector General review and legislative action in Congress.
Health Risks for Missileers
Tom Novelly’s investigation began when a Space Force Guardian’s presentation hinted at cancer risks within the missileer community. His two-part series revealed the potential long-term health consequences due to exposure to hazardous materials. While the Air Force continues its study, Novelly’s work highlighted the grave concerns among missileers and their families.
Challenges in Veteran Mental Health Care
Veterans seeking mental health support have faced significant hurdles, as reported by Patricia Kime and Drew Lawrence. Many veterans experienced appointment cancellations and delays, leaving them without necessary care. The shortage of mental health providers is a nationwide issue, but it poses a particularly acute problem for the Department of Veterans Affairs, struggling to meet its commitments to veterans.
Abuse of Command Authority
Military.com’s reporting by Beynon revealed how a four-star Army general manipulated the screening process to favor an underqualified subordinate for command roles. The resulting investigation led to the general’s removal, marking the first dismissal of a four-star general in several years.
Ongoing Osprey Aircraft Issues
Despite persistent mechanical problems with the Osprey aircraft, military leaders had not publicly addressed the root causes. However, journalists Toropin and Novelly discovered that faulty subcontractor parts were involved. This finding contradicts past reports that blamed pilots, causing undue distress to Osprey crew families.
Delays in Arlington Horse-Drawn Funerals
Due to inadequate conditions for horses at Arlington National Cemetery, horse-drawn funerals were suspended in 2023. Drew Lawrence’s investigation revealed a backlog of 66 families waiting for this ceremonial service, despite initial claims by the Army that no such list existed. This prompted a reassessment by the Army to address the oversight.
The Impact of the PACT Act Screenings
Rebecca Kheel examined the effectiveness of the PACT Act screenings aimed at identifying veterans at risk for exposure-related illnesses. While intended as a critical initiative, the screenings have been viewed by many veterans as mere formalities, with the full impact yet to be determined.
ROTC Instructor Misconduct
Beynon’s report exposed coercive behaviors by ROTC instructors, including solicitation and sexual assault. The investigation underscored a lack of resources for cadets, who aren’t classified as soldiers and thus miss out on support systems available to military personnel.
Lack of Emergency Care in Japan
Patricia Kime reported on the dire consequences of local policies in Japan that allow hospitals to deny emergency care to military personnel, resulting in four deaths. This issue is compounded by the inability of U.S. bases in Japan to provide necessary trauma care.
Questionable Recruitment Strategies
In an attempt to boost recruitment, a senior Army leader invested $11 million in a football league backed by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Despite internal doubts, the initiative failed to recruit any new soldiers, diverting funds from potentially more successful recruitment efforts. However, the general behind the decision did meet Johnson, marking the only tangible outcome of the investment.
