On Wednesday, the House Armed Services Committee conducted a hearing regarding an investigation of sexual misconduct in the U.S. Air Force. The hearing centered on sexual assault by basic training instructors at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Witnesses testifying included two U.S. Air Force officials: chief of staff Gen. Mark Welsh and Air Education & Training Commander Gen. Edward Rice. Other speakers included former Air Force service members who are now involved with sexual assault victim advocacy groups.
An Air Force staff sergeant is charged with rape and multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault and is scheduled to face a court-martial in July. Three other defendants face charges ranging from sexual misconduct to adultery.
Rep. Howard McKeon (R-CA) chaired the committee.