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Feminism: chat

Misogyny in military cadets and why this latest scandal feels unsurprising

2 replies

ExATC · 06/08/2026 16:52

I see there's yet another scandal about "a culture of misogyny and sexual violence" in the armed forces, this time at their college for 16-19yo recruits. BBC News - TW for rape and sexual abuse.

I've name changed for this because it doesn't surprise me in the least due to my own experiences, not in the military but in the military-adjacent air cadets. My squadron had several ex-military on staff, as did the wing and region. The sex and drinking culture was something else. The staff took underage cadet NCOs out drinking multiple times a week. The padre was an utter pervert who openly talked about sexually assaulting teenage girls, talked about sex in all his "lessons" and routinely made sexual remarks to and about female cadets. Being hit on by staff was an everyday occurrence. Sexual relationships between staff and cadets were nothing out of the ordinary. An adult in a position of responsibility started a sexual relationship with me when I was 16, took videos and shared them around without my knowledge or consent. I can't even remember how many times I was groped by other cadets, all in the name of banter. It was seen as completely normal, expected and part of being in the gang. When I became staff I received safeguarding training but nothing like the level in my current volunteering roles and it was so contrary to the whole culture it was laughable.

I left in 2010 after nearly 10 years as a cadet and adult volunteer and look back thinking "I was groomed". I hope it's very different now, but stories like this make me doubt it. The military can't even look after its own enlisted children. I'd never let my own DC join cadets. The whole thing is rotten.

A stock picture of army recruits marching in brown uniforms carrying guns

Calls for Army college inquiry after reports of rape and abuse

Four women told the BBC they were sexually assaulted and harassed while attending the Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate in North Yorkshire.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2g8pe13x5o

OP posts:
WeaselCheeks · 06/08/2026 17:37

Yeah, the recent reports are horrifying, but also utterly unsurprising.

ExATC · 07/08/2026 20:43

It's a shame you feel the same way. It should be way beyond surprising to everyone.

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