Comprehensive MST Education Program

Training built for every service member at every entry point — basic, officer school, and military colleges.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is not just a personal tragedy — it’s a national security risk. Every year, over 20,000 active-duty service members report sexual assault. Independent estimates suggest the real number is nearly four times higher. That means almost 80,000 service members experience sexual violence annually — undermining morale, trust, and unit cohesion at every level.

This proposal introduces a nationwide, standardized MST prevention and self-defense curriculum embedded at every entry point into the U.S. military — from basic training to officer schools and military academies — and reinforced throughout a service member’s career. The goal: a cultural shift that prevents abuse before it happens and builds lasting trust within the ranks.

What’s Included:

• Mandatory Education Modules
  Clear, age- and rank-appropriate training on consent, boundaries, bystander intervention, and respectful communication.

• Real Risk Data for Recruits
  Service-branch-specific MST statistics presented transparently at the start of service, with acknowledgment forms to ensure recruits understand their rights and protections.

• Integrated Self-Defense Certification
  Enhances existing combatives training with de-escalation, boundary-setting, and MST-specific scenarios — no extra equipment required.

• Digital-First Learning
  Secure, mobile-accessible tools for reporting options, help lines, and educational content — replacing outdated paperwork.

• Reinforcement at Every Step
  Refresher trainings during key transitions: permanent duty station changes, reenlistments, and leadership schools — reinforcing consistency and accountability.

• Zero Tolerance Accountability
  Court-martial and mandatory dishonorable discharge for perpetrators, applied consistently across all branches, including Guard and Reserve.

The Strategic Advantage:
Implementing this program isn’t just ethical — it’s smart. A projected 5% decrease in MST cases within the first year would pay for the program entirely. The VA currently spends over $100 million annually on MST-related claims and treatment. Even modest reductions would mean tens of millions in savings — plus fewer investigations, less disability compensation, and increased readiness.

This program was built with fiscal discipline. Most modules slip directly into preexisting infrastructure, creating minimal disruption and zero redundancy. It’s not a dramatic overhaul — it’s smart reinforcement at the moments that matter most. Training is tailored to each entry point and sustained throughout a service member’s journey, creating real culture change over time.

This is transformation, not just training. A modern, data-informed approach that protects service members, prevents harm, and strengthens our forces from the inside out.