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The problem is one of metrics: the Army (and Congress) measures the effectiveness of our SHARP and anti-bullying programs by the number of allegations filed. If the numbers increase, the program is a success. If they decrease, the program is NOT succeeding and we need to implement systems wherein females increase their complaints. It doesn't take an in-flight missile repair technician to think this through and see what the outcome becomes. There is EVERY effort at fomenting an increase in complaints despite implementing an appropriate filtering device.
Concomitant to that is the law we implemented wherein lower-level commanders are prohibited from investigating/dismissing these allegations anymore - they go directly to CID for investigation. Commanders are automatically referring these allegations to trial or adverse action wherein not too long ago they would investigate and make the call. We've tied their hands now. They routinely shuffle ALL cases into the "substantiated" category and push for judicial resolution despite the veracity of the claim. If they don't, some Congress-critter or Senator looking to make waves will crawl up their underwear and that's as far as that Commander will go in their career.
This is becoming a problem in legal circles and is starting to concern even the liberal ACLU types within the military legal community.
We've created a self-licking ice cream cone wherein we push these guys to trial. When found not guilty, we double-down on the stupid and say the system failed; that we need to crack further down on the accused. it's getting frightening, to be honest.
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