News
April 25, 2023 | 8:30 p.m
A female army commander is under investigation for sexual harassment after allegedly “forcibly kissing” male subordinates and grabbing them below the belt.
Col. Megan Sullivan, 5th SFAB Engineer Battalion Commander, 5th Brigade, is under investigation regarding an alleged pattern of assault and harassment against the men under her watch, According to Military.com.
Sullivan allegedly assaulted two of his subordinates by forcibly kissing them and holding a man “under the belt” without his consent, sources told the outlet.
In addition to the two sexual assaults, the commander faces accusations of sexually harassing several other subordinates, according to the post.
Only 10% of sexual assault cases within the military involve male victims, according to Department of Defense 2021 data.
However, the number of male casualties—estimated at about 14,000 soldiers per year—is likely higher since many cases go unreported due to stigma and fear of being ostracized.
That same year, reports of sexual assaults within the military increased 13% over the previous year—with the spike driven by cases within the military.
Sexual assaults on military personnel jumped about 26% in 2021.
A source told Military.com that alcohol use may have played a role in the accidents. Sullivan did not return the publication’s request for comment.
Sullivan – who I became the first woman To command the Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) in June 2021 – still in position, it seems.
“I’ve been in the military for over twenty years as an engineer, and diversity and inclusion makes us stronger,” Sullivan said at the time of her appointment.
“I’m excited for young women to see that you can look and act differently and be successful — I would say to these women, don’t let anyone put a cap on you.”
SFAB’s 5th Engineer Battalion consists of teams of engineers who advise allies in several Indo-Pacific countries such as Japan, Mongolia, Thailand, and others.
Sullivan isn’t the only Brigade official being investigated.
Its chief and brigade commander, Colonel Jonathan Chung, has been suspended as authorities investigate accusations that he created a toxic environment in which he abused his power and disparaged his subordinates, according to Military.com.
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