WASHINGTON - Arguing that "we're past the point of tinkering with the current system," Senator Chuck Grassley today worked to build bipartisan support for the Military Justice Improvement Act in advance of a vote of 55 to 45 by senators which defeated the bill on a procedural motion that required three-fifths of the votes for passage.

 

Click here to watch Grassley's floor statement.

 

The legislation sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand with Grassley as an original co-sponsor, would have empowered victims to come forward by taking the judicial process for sexual assault cases outside the chain of command.

 

The proposed reform would move the decision about whether to prosecute any crime punishable by one year or more in confinement to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors.  Thirty-seven crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going Absent Without Leave, would be excepted and remain within the chain of command.  A companion measure is pending in the House of Representatives.

 

"We've had promises from military leaders for years and years about tackling the problem of sexual assault within the current system, but the problem isn't getting better.  The current system has a deterrent effect on reporting sexual assault, and if sexual assault cases aren't reported, they can't be prosecuted," Grassley said.  "Something as serious and life-altering as sexual assault requires bold action.  And when young people make the commitment to serve their country in uniform and put themselves in harm's way to defend and protect America's freedoms, they deserve to know their rights will be protected, including access to justice."

 

Last fall, the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, known as DACOWITS, voted overwhelmingly in support of every component of the Military Justice Improvement Act.  This committee was created in 1951 by the Secretary of Defense and includes civilian and retired military women and men to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces.

 

Grassley said that sexual assault in the military isn't a military matter but a law enforcement matter, and that the Military Justice Improvement Act does justice to the U.S. military code of honor, which is based on integrity and fidelity to the rule of law.

 

Below is the text of remarks made today by Grassley during Senate debate, along with a recent opinion column in The Des Moines Register and a recent story about the leadership of Air Force Lt. General Michelle Johnson, an Iowan, in combating sexual assault in the military.

 

Floor Statement of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Thursday, March 6, 2014

 

I am proud to partner with Senator Gillibrand as an original cosponsor of the Military Justice Improvement Act and I would like to say a few words about why it is needed.

 

I appreciate the fact that a large number of common sense reforms were included in the National Defense Authorization Act.

 

These changes were long overdue.

 

However, we are past the point of tinkering with the current system and hoping that does the trick.

 

We have had promises about tackling the problem of sexual assault within the current system for years and years but the problem isn't getting any better.

 

We don't have the luxury of time to try some new reforms of the current system and hope that has an impact.

 

What's more, the current system appears to be part of the problem.

Let me elaborate on what I mean by that.

 

We know from a recent Defense Department report, 50 percent of female victims stated they did not report the crime because they believed that nothing would be done with their report.

 

Seventy-four percent of females and 60 percent of males perceived one or more barriers to reporting sexual assault.

 

Sixty-two percent of victims who reported a sexual assault indicated they perceived some form of professional, social, and/or administrative retaliation.

 

We can talk about protections for victims and we can enact more protections as we did in the National Defense Authorization Act.

 

But, the fact remains that the current structure of the Military Justice System is having a deterrent effect on reporting of sexual assault.  If sexual assault cases aren't reported, they can't be prosecuted.

 

If sexual assault isn't prosecuted, predators will remain in the military and that results in a perception that sexual assault is tolerated in the military culture.

 

That destroys morale and it destroys lives.

 

If an enemy tried to sew that kind of discord among our military, we wouldn't tolerate it, but we are doing it to ourselves.

 

The men and women who have volunteered to place their lives on the line deserve better than that and our military readiness demands it.

 

Taking prosecutions out of the hands of commanders and giving them to professional prosecutors who are independent of the chain of command will help ensure impartial justice for the men and women of our armed forces.

 

I know some senators will be nervous about the fact that the military is lobbying against this legislation.

 

I have the greatest respect for our military leaders, but Congress has given the military leadership more than enough time to try and fix the current system.

 

We can't wait any longer.

 

We also hear that this measure will affect the ability of commanders to retain "good order and discipline."

 

Our legislation in no way takes away the ability of commanders to punish troops under their command for military infractions.

 

Commanders also can and should be held accountable for the climate under their command.

 

But, the point here is that sexual assault is a law enforcement matter - not a military one.

 

If anyone wants official assurances that we are on the right track, we can take confidence in the fact that an advisory committee appointed by the Secretary of Defense himself supports our reforms.

 

On September 27, 2013, the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) voted overwhelmingly in support of each and every one of the components of the legislation before us.

 

DACOWITS was created in 1951 by then Secretary of Defense, George C.  Marshall.

 

The Committee is composed of civilian and retired military women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces.

 

Historically, the recommendations by DACOWITS have been very instrumental in effecting changes to laws and policies pertaining to military women.

 

This isn't an outside advocacy group or ad hoc panel.  It's a longstanding advisory committee handpicked by the Secretary of Defense and it supports the substance of our legislation to a tee.

It's easier to support incremental reform.

 

In fact, it is often prudent to try small reforms before making bigger changes.

 

I understand why some senators are nervous about a total overhaul of the military justice system.

 

It isn't something I approach lightly.

 

However, we have waited for years as various initiatives to tackle this problem have been tried.

 

When we are talking about something as serious and life altering as sexual assault, we cannot afford to wait any longer than we already have.

 

The time has come to act decisively to change the military culture.

 

We need a clean break from the system where sexual assault isn't reported because of a perception that justice won't be done.

 

Our men and women serving this country deserve nothing less and they deserve it now.

 

They shouldn't have to wait any longer for justice.

 

For those reluctant to take this step now, I would say: if the more modest reforms proposed by others prove insufficient and we have to come back and enact our reforms at a later time, how will you justify your vote today?

 

Now is the time for bold action and I would urge all my colleagues to join us.

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Letter sent as President Obama reappoints Gov. Branstad as Co-Chairman of the Council of Governors

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad today joined a letter signed by 50 governors to President Obama to express overwhelming bipartisan concerns regarding the Obama Administration's proposed Army budget.

The governors write:  "For more than a decade, our National Guard has demonstrated that it is a cost-effective, operational force that is critical to our national security at home and abroad."

This past weekend, Gov. Branstad discussed his concerns about the cuts to the National Guard with his colleagues during the meetings of the National Governors Association.  He also directly shared concerns with President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretary of Defense Hagel, and additional high-level Pentagon leaders.

In addition, President Obama yesterday announced he reappointed Gov. Branstad as co-chairman of the Council of Governors.

The Council of Governors was established by the National Defense Authorization Act in 2008 to strengthen further partnership between the Federal and State governments as it pertains to national security. The council is balanced by political party and serves the nation as a whole. The governors serve two-year terms and are appointed by the President. The President designates two members of different political affiliations to serve as co-chairs of the Council. The governors work closely with the Adjutants General, including Major General Timothy Orr, to help amplify the states' perspective in Federal policy discussions.

Governor Branstad stated the following: "Iowans are served extremely well by the men and women of the Iowa National Guard.  The Guard has helped communities across Iowa effectively respond to disasters, like floods and tornadoes, and Guard personnel have aptly served our entire nation abroad since 9/11."

Lt. Governor Reynolds stated the following: "In a time of fiscal constraints the Guard provides our nation with a cost-effective hedge against risk, provides capability and capacity, and the ability to quickly surge to meet our nation's security needs.  With the Guard we get double value as Guard personnel serve our citizens at home during emergencies, and serve effectively in operations overseas."

Major General Timothy Orr, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, stated the following:  "The Iowa National Guard has proven its readiness, reliability, and cost-effectiveness continually over the past 12 years. The performance of our Soldiers, Airmen, and units during the historic operation tempo of our nation's military has been second to none, particularly as evidenced by the deployment of more than 17,000 Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in defense of our nation since Sept. 11, 2001. We are deeply appreciative of the efforts of Governor Branstad and all of the nation's governors to maintain the readiness and organizational integrity of the National Guard."

Since 9/11, significant growth in the Army active duty was not matched in the Guard personnel increases.  Governors and Adjutants General are now encouraging congressional leaders to preserve National Guard force structure and end-strength.  State leaders understand the need to cut Federal spending and want Federal leaders to work with the Adjutants General to find and achieve cost savings and common ground.  State leaders do not want the Guard to return to its former role as a strategic reserve.  The Guard also helps drive connectivity between the 1% of Americans who serve and the 99% of Americans who do not or have not.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

February 28, 2014

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The nation's governors strongly oppose the potential cuts to the Army National Guard advocated by the U.S. Army's fiscal 2015 budget request.

For more than a decade, our National Guard has demonstrated it is a cost-effective, operational force that is critical to our national security at home and abroad.

As commanders-in-chief, we appreciate the need to reorganize, restructure and modernize the military to meet new threats and economic realities. All sectors of the military need to be involved in meeting the targets set by the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the realities of having fewer forces engaged abroad. In doing so, however, the Army Guard's operational capabilities and 350,000 end strength level must be preserved.

The Army's proposed cuts suggest a pre-2001 strategic reserve construct. Governors are extremely proud of the role that the National Guard plays in protecting this nation and its citizens. The modern National Guard is a highly experienced and capable combat force and an essential state partner in responding to domestic disasters and emergencies. A return to a pre-9/11 role squanders the investment and value of the Guard and discredits its accomplishments at home and as an active combat force.

Two years ago we opposed similar efforts to dramatically cut personnel and equipment from the Air National Guard. Congress subsequently chose not to impose the cuts and called for a National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force. That commission recently concluded that the Guard is a cost-effective and invaluable force that should be a critical component of the total force structure. The Commission's conclusions and the ongoing Army debate strengthen the case for a similar independent review of the Army's future force structure and active and reserve component mix.

We respectfully request that you reconsider proposed cuts to the Army National Guard and changes to the Guard's combat aviation capabilities, and that you work with us to fashion solutions that provide a scalable, cost-effective force that best serves the interests of our nation.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (02/27/2014)(readMedia)-- Lt. Col. Tim W. Franklin of Springfield, Ill., is hanging up his uniform after more than 33 years of military service. Franklin has served as the full-time program coordinator for the Illinois Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) since 2006 and will continue to serve as the training director for the Illinois ESGR as a volunteer.

"I believe in what ESGR does for the members of the National Guard and Reserve, their employers and families, so I look forward to continuing with the organization as a volunteer," said Franklin.

Franklin began his military career as a photography specialist when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was assigned to the 62nd Tactical Reconaisance Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. He received his commission in the Air Force in 1985 through Officer Training School.

"It wasn't always easy having him away as part of his service in the Guard, but it's made me very proud to have a father in the military, and has given me an even greater respect for other men and women who serve," said Amy Franklin, the oldest of the Franklin children.

Franklin served as a member of the Oregon Air National Guard and also in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, first in the Field Artillery and then with the 129th Public Affairs Detachment. Since 1998, he has served as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard.

"When my wife and I first met, we were both members of the Air Force, so she already knew about military service and how demanding it can be at times. I have had to miss my share of birthdays, holidays and other family events over the years," said Franklin. "However, like all of us who serve in uniform, I try my best to keep that balance between military service and family life. Sometimes I've been more successful at it than other times during the course of my career, depending on what the military demands were at the time."

Franklin deployed twice during his National Guard career, including Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo from 1997 to 1998 and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan with Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VIII as the task force public affairs officer from 2008 to 2009.

"Lieutenant Colonel Franklin was good to his Soldiers. He shared their concerns and listened to their problems, helping in any way he could," said Nathan Hastings, a former public affairs sergeant with the Illinois Army National Guard who deployed to Afghanistan with Franklin as a broadcast journalist.

"I always felt like he watched over our group in Afghanistan as if we were his own children," said Hastings.

Franklin said the National Guard has opened up a lot of opportunities that he may not have had as a civilian.

"The best part of serving has to be the people you serve with and the unique opportunities and experiences the military and the Guard offers," said Franklin. "I have had a great career and have met and served with some incredible people, both as an enlisted member and as an officer. I have made many lifelong friendships with those I have served with in the Guard. I am sure this is true of other professions, but I think it is especially true among the military and the Guard. During my time in the military, I have been to countries on every continent except Africa and Antarctica. I think those types of opportunities give Guardsmen a world perspective that many of our citizens don't have."

Franklin was part of the largest overseas deployment of Illinois Army National Guard troops in 2008, when the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Urbana, Ill., deployed to Afghanistan. Nearly 3,000 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers augmented Task Force Phoenix VIII.

"It was an honor to have Tim Franklin as a part of Task Force Phoenix VIII," said retired Brig. Gen. Steven P. Huber of Byron, Ill., the combined joint task force commander for Task Force Phoenix VIII. "He played an integral part of my command. He was one whom I could always rely upon to keep me on message and it was fun doing videos with him for those back home. He is a team player and I am glad to call him a friend."

Franklin said he didn't really have any profound advice, but stated that if you are joining the military for rank, awards and recognition, you are in it for the wrong reasons. Those things will come to you if you are in it for the right reasons.

Erin Franklin, the younger of the two Franklin children gave some indication as to where you may find the retired Franklin.

"When the weather is nice my dad likes to sit out on the porch, watching the birds eat from his feeder, a cigar in one hand, a home-brewed beer by his side, and listening to music like Bob Marley or the Beatles or some jazz," she said.

Announcement comes as Iowa House Subcommittee passes similar measure for professional and occupational licensure of veterans and their spouses

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced a new effort to eliminate licensing barriers for qualified veterans and military spouses who want to teach in Iowa.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has created a new military exchange license for veterans and military spouses who have teaching credentials but face new licensure requirements when they move to Iowa. Military families move every few years for employment, and spouses who are teachers must relicense and meet new requirements with each move to a new state.

The new license ties in with the Branstad-Reynolds administration's Home Base Iowa Initiative to recruit veterans to Iowa. The announcement comes on the same day as the Iowa House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee passed House Study Bill 616, an Act relating to professional and occupational licensure of veterans and the spouses of veterans.

"This was the right thing to do. These are standout citizens who are defending our freedoms or are supporting family members who are defending our freedoms," said Branstad. "I'm pleased the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has removed this barrier that causes military families to seek a new licensure in the state of Iowa."

About 70 percent of out-of-state residents who apply for teaching licenses in Iowa must take additional coursework to meet the state's licensure standards.

"The Home Base Iowa Act that Governor Branstad and I have proposed would direct all licensing boards to take action similar to what the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has done," said Reynolds. "We know members of the military and their spouses will bring a wide array of skills and knowledge to Iowa. Continued action like this will ensure our service members and their spouses are able to land the career that meets their qualifications."

The new military exchange license enables veterans and military spouses to teach up to three years without taking any additional college courses. The license also is offered at a reduced cost of $85 instead of $210.

The military exchange license is a three-year license. After three years, the license can be converted to a one-year license, giving license-holders full authority to teach while they take the required classes.  Once the requirements are met, the license can be converted to a regular Iowa teaching license.

Eligible applicants must have completed a teacher preparation program through a college or university and must have been a licensed teacher in another state.  Teachers who completed an alternative teacher preparation program outside of a college or university and are not eligible for full licensure will be granted substitute licenses.

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