Sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexist behavior declined in the 2004-05 academic year, say Air Force Academy cadets. In fact, according a Defense Department survey, the Colorado Springs institution fared better on those counts than did either the US Military Academy at West Point or US Naval Academy at Annapolis, though all three showed declines in boorish behavior. The survey reported that 76 percent of females and 85 percent of males at Colorado Springs said sexual harassment had become “less of a problem.” Authorities began a major crackdown in 2003.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.