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.

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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

1. Julie's Books: The Myth of Adulting: Everyone's Just Winging It: https://a.co/d/3xVOEHw

2. Letters from Future Me: https://a.co/d/8UBQWFM

3. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic - https://www.endeavors.org/cohen-clinic-san-antonio/

4. Anxiety Guys - https://anxietyguys.com/

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Listen to the Full Coversation

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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.

Internal Links

• Episodes index

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Introducing BIG VOICE - Weekly Roundup from June 10-15

What is BIG VOICE ?

In the military, the term "Big Voice" typically refers to a loudspeaker system used on military bases to broadcast important announcements, warnings, or instructions. These messages are critical for maintaining safety, security, and operational efficiency within the base, ensuring that all personnel are informed of any immediate actions they need to take.

However, in the context of our podcast, BIG VOICE symbolizes our commitment to amplifying the stories and issues that matter most to the military and veteran communities.

BIG VOICE is a weekly podcast that delves into the most pressing news stories affecting our military and veteran communities. Released every Saturday, this podcast aims to provide transparency, accountability, and a platform for advocacy within the military. By uncovering stories that matter, BIG VOICE seeks to empower listeners with the information they need to demand justice and support for all service members.

Welcome to this week's episode of BIG VOICE, where we delve into the most pressing news stories affecting our military and veteran communities. This week, we uncover a series of alarming events that demand our attention and action:

1. Resignation and Allegations of Cover-up in the Coast Guard (00:00)

A high-ranking Coast Guard official has resigned after being instructed to cover up misconduct. This shocking story highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability within our military branches. [For more information]

2. Suspension of ROTC Leader Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation (02:36)

An ROTC leader has been suspended following allegations of sexual misconduct. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and immediate action in addressing such serious accusations. [For more information]

3. CEO of Veterans Nonprofit Found Liable for Sexual Harassment (03:58)

The CEO of a prominent veterans nonprofit has been found liable for sexually harassing 12 women. This disturbing revelation calls for stricter oversight and zero tolerance for harassment in organizations serving our veterans. [For more information]

4. Charges Against Major General in the Air Force (05:47)

A Major General in the Air Force has been charged with multiple crimes, including rape. This case exemplifies the critical need for holding individuals accountable, regardless of their rank, to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all service members.

[For more information], [For more information], [For more information]

What Can We Takeaway From These News Stories?

- Transparency and accountability are crucial in all branches of the military.

- Support for survivors of military sexual trauma is essential.

- There is an ongoing need for vigilance and accountability in addressing sexual misconduct in the military.

- Power dynamics within the military can complicate issues like consent.

- Holding people accountable regardless of their position is important for creating safe and respectful environments.

- Advocacy and sharing stories can contribute to positive change.

Join the Conversation

Join the conversation and make your voice heard! Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest developments and support our mission for justice and accountability in the military.

We now have a private Facebook group named The Advocates of MST, please join! https://www.facebook.com/share/2K6kFarhiqBv8HkA/

Click the thumbnail below to watch, and remember: accountability and change are impossible without visibility. Your voice is a weapon against MST.

Emerging: Coast Guard Commandant Testifies On Massive Cover-up At Academy

Last night’s testimony of Admiral Linda Fagan before Congress has shed light on a scandal of monumental proportions. The U.S. Coast Guard’s “Operation Fouled Anchor” investigation, which uncovered rampant sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy, was deliberately concealed from Congress and the public. This betrayal is a blatant disregard for justice and transparency, and it demands immediate action.

A History of Neglect and Concealment

The investigation revealed that between the late 1980s and 2006, dozens of substantiated incidents of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment occurred at the Coast Guard Academy. Despite these findings, the report was buried, and the victims were denied justice. This cover-up is not just an oversight; it’s a calculated attempt to protect the institution at the expense of the survivors .

Key Findings:

• Dozens of substantiated incidents of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.

• Failure to disclose the investigation to Congress and the public.

• Continued concealment by top officials, including former Commandant Karl Schultz.

The Cost of Silence

Admiral Linda Fagan’s testimony last night has brought this scandal into the public eye, but her admission of ignorance about the full extent of the investigation until recently is unacceptable. The Coast Guard’s actions—or lack thereof—demonstrate a systemic issue that must be addressed immediately.

Admiral Fagan’s Testimony Highlights:

• Admitted failure to report the findings to Congress.

• Unaware of the investigation’s full scope until it was exposed by the media.

• Commitment to notifying Congress only after the scandal broke.

Congressional Response

Senator Richard Blumenthal and other members of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations have been vocal about the need for full disclosure and accountability. Their call for an Inspector General investigation into why “Operation Fouled Anchor” was kept secret is a crucial step toward justice.

The Impact on Survivors

The Coast Guard’s betrayal has a profound impact on the survivors of these heinous acts. By concealing the investigation, the Coast Guard has further victimized these individuals, denying them the justice and support they deserve.

Survivor Testimonies:

• Voices silenced by institutional neglect or fear of retaliation.

• Continued trauma from the lack of accountability.

• Demand for justice and transparency.

A Safe Space for Survivors

We understand that coming forward can be daunting, especially when trust has been so deeply violated. We welcome survivors to share their stories anonymously if they don’t feel safe. Your voice is powerful, and we are here to support you.

Episode 7 came to my mind as I watched this testimony. Our guest, a courageous Navy Commander, shared the story of her brutal assault and how she was treated afterward. This is not new information to our Senators, but this problem continues?

How You Can Make a Difference

We must keep the pressure on the Coast Guard to fully disclose all information related to “Operation Fouled Anchor” and hold those responsible accountable. Sharing these stories and amplifying the voices of survivors is crucial in the fight for justice.

Here’s how you can help:

•Share this post to raise awareness.

•Follow us on social media to stay informed and engaged.

•Subscribe to our podcast for in-depth discussions on this issue and to give these stories the attention they deserve.

Together, we can ensure that these voices are heard and that meaningful change is achieved. By holding the military accountable, we can protect and advocate for survivors of military sexual trauma.

Demand Justice Now

The U.S. Coast Guard’s concealment of sexual assault cases is a gross injustice that cannot be ignored. We must demand transparency and accountability from those in power. Join us in this critical mission to protect and advocate for survivors of military sexual trauma.

Links for Further Reading:

• C-eSPAN: Admiral Linda Fagan’s Testimony

• CNN: Former Coast Guard Leader Buried Investigation

• Whistleblower Comes Forward

How do you feel knowing a cover up was going on for decades in the Coast Guard? Share your thoughts below