Military Sexual Trauma and Sexual Harassment: Julie | The Silenced Voices of MST with Rachelle Smith
Julie, a former U.S. Air Force officer, shares her story of Military Sexual Trauma, the harassment she endured, and the gaslighting that followed when she tried to report.
Julie, former Air Force officer, speaks about Military Sexual Trauma, sexual harassment, and the failures of the reporting process on The Silenced Voices of MST with Rachelle Smith.
Intro
In this episode of The Silenced Voices of MST, former Air Force officer Julie shares her experience of persistent sexual harassment during her military career and the challenges of speaking out against it. She recounts how inappropriate advances from older men became a pattern both in uniform and afterward as a civilian. One particular incident, occurring during pre-deployment training on the way to Afghanistan, escalated from unwanted touching at dinner to repeated harassment at multiple bars. Despite her initial reluctance to report, Julie recognized that her harasser was about to assume a leadership position overseeing hundreds of Airmen. She made the difficult decision to file a complaint to protect those under his authority.
Episode Summary
Her report set off a painful and disorienting process. Instead of support, she was assigned a Guard Jag who repeatedly pressured her to change her story. Even with witnesses corroborating her account and evidence of prior complaints against the perpetrator, Julie was treated as if she were lying. The investigation dragged on, and she endured months of gaslighting from officials who minimized her experience and questioned her integrity. She describes the psychological toll of this process, compounded by the stress of deployment to Afghanistan, where she faced a toxic command environment and constant anxiety.
Julie’s account highlights the structural failures that allow harassment and abuse to persist unchecked. She shares how her trust was eroded by leaders who ignored red flags and excused predatory behavior as long as the offender was “good at his job.” Despite this betrayal, she also points out the commanders and peers who did support her, and the Victim Advocate who ultimately helped shift her case toward accountability.
Her story extends beyond the incident itself into the lasting effects of trauma. She discusses how the experience left her with hypervigilance, difficulty trusting men, and ongoing struggles with dating. Therapy at the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic provided tools for managing anxiety, and writing became a vital outlet that led to publishing two books. She also describes how music, particularly Taylor Swift’s, gave her strength to keep fighting during the lowest points of her case.
Julie reflects on systemic change, noting her support for President Biden’s executive order that removed commanders from deciding sexual harassment cases. She acknowledges her frustration with false reporting, which undermines survivors’ credibility, but emphasizes the importance of stronger protections and unbiased processes. Her voice underscores how policy reform must be paired with cultural change if survivors are to find safety and justice.
Julie’s story is ultimately one of resilience. She turned her experience into advocacy, sharing her lessons with others considering military service and urging them to carefully weigh the personal costs. Her journey reminds listeners that even when silenced, survivors can carve out paths of truth, healing, and empowerment.
“I was made to feel like proving my integrity mattered more than proving he did something wrong.”
- Julie
Julie, a former Air Force officer, shares her experience of Military Sexual Trauma and sexual harassment, the gaslighting she endured when reporting, and how therapy and writing supported her recovery. Listen now.
Julie’s experience exposes the deep cracks in the military justice system, where investigations often focus more on discrediting survivors than holding perpetrators accountable. Her account makes clear how cultural rot and leadership failures sustain an environment where harassment thrives. Yet her decision to step forward was not only about her own dignity, it was about preventing future Airmen from being placed in the hands of a known predator. That choice embodies both courage and sacrifice.
Her story is also a reminder of the long shadow trauma casts. Even years after separation, the impact lingers in dating, trust, and daily interactions. But Julie’s resilience shines through her advocacy, her writing, and her willingness to keep speaking truth to power. For survivors listening, her message is both validation and hope. Even in the face of disbelief and institutional betrayal, healing is possible and change is worth fighting for.
Episode Trigger Warnings and Timestamps
08:00–09:12: Sexual harassment at a bar, unwanted touching, physical grabbing
09:13–12:40: Escalation of harassment, footsie, unwanted contact, inappropriate touching in public
12:41–13:50: Following behavior, waiting outside bathroom, intimidation
13:51–15:15: Reporting process, fear of reprisal, decision to come forward
15:16–19:29: Gaslighting by lawyer and investigators, repeated questioning, emotional distress
19:30–21:00: Anxiety, PTSD diagnosis, impact on daily life
29:42–30:37: Difficulty trusting men, ongoing effects on dating and relationships
Resources from this Episodes
If you’re currently working through the VA Disability claims process, download our free toolkit that helps you get the rating you deserve: Get access now
Julie's Books: The Myth of Adulting: Everyone's Just Winging It: https://a.co/d/3xVOEHw
Letters from Future Me: https://a.co/d/8UBQWFM
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic - https://www.endeavors.org/cohen-clinic-san-antonio/
Anxiety Guys - https://anxietyguys.com/
Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming episodes, new resources, and daily support.
Listen to the Full Coversation
Leave a Review
If this episode was meaningful to you, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Reviews help more people discover stories of Military Sexual Trauma and join the movement for change.
Next Episode
Our host, Rachelle Smith, speaks with Taylor, an Air Force dependent that shares the shock of trying to call Security Forces to report her assault, only to have her assailant answer the phone.
Support and Community
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press
DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadvocatesofmst
VA Disability Toolkit: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/disability-toolkit
Contact Your Lawmaker Toolkit: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/contact-your-lawmaker-toolkit
About the Guest
Julie, a former Air Force officer, shares her experience of Military Sexual Trauma and sexual harassment, the gaslighting she endured when reporting, and how therapy and writing supported her recovery.
