Biden to sign executive order moving prosecution of military sexual assault outside chain of command
CNNJul 28, 2023
The Facts
US Pres. Biden on Friday signed an executive order formally implementing a law passed by Congress in 2022 taking away decisions about the prosecution of serious military crimes from victims’ commanders and giving the responsibility to independent military attorneys.
The provision, which was part of last year’s defense bill, required presidential action because it requires a change to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Finally, military members will be able to have confidence in a more trustworthy, professional military judicial system. For decades, the old way of doing things didn't work, and the military’s reforms haven’t stopped the number of assaults from increasing. The administration is showing what true leadership means.
Establishment-critical narrative
This move doesn’t show leadership, it weakens the authority of uniformed commanders whose job it is to keep the US safe. By stripping commanders of this power and circumventing the chain of command, respect for those charged with leading the armed forces will be diminished — leaving the military weaker than before this law was implemented.
