Zero tolerance in military is working

I am writing to respond to the article in the "Focused Light" column ("Tolerance for sexual harassment in military is more than zero," February 19) regarding the military and sexual harassment. Her reference to the "zero tolerance" in the military regarding sexual harassment is more than lip service as she claims. I will not defend "Tailhook." Some of the actions that took place there were indeed criminal. The Department of Defense Inspector General investigated, and prosecuted every officer found guilty of criminal acts. Those that were not guilty but in attendance had promotions held up, and in many cases, canceled. The slightest accusation of participation in ANY questionable act at a minimum ended the careers of those involved. Is this lip service? So WHY is the Department of Defense in the papers so much these days? I submit the following. "Zero tolerance" is working. It's meeting the problem head on and cleaning house of those who have yet to get on board with the Department of Defense policy of sexual harassment.

When there were problems with drugs and racial discrimination in the military, we addressed the issues, and just about eliminated them. Do we still have these types of problems? Sure we do, but they are minuscule compared to how it used to be. But how could events like these, and even sexual harassment still happen, if there is "zero tolerance?" Well, "zero tolerance" does not mean "zero incidents," even though that is our goal. "Zero tolerance" means we will not tolerate those who do not follow the policies and guidelines governing the behavior of our military personnel. Look at where the violators are now: Kicked out, disgraced or in jail, as they should be.

Show me an organization in the civilian sector that has done as much as the military has to eradicate its problems with drugs, equal opportunity and sexual harassment. You will be heard pressed to find one. Zero tolerance in the military is working. I invite you to visit the NROTC unit and talk to the active duty personnel and get their point of views; I think you will find it "enlightening."

By Frank Cerney
Arizona Daily Wildcat
February 28, 1997