DOD Service Academies

GAO testified that hazing has not completely disappeared from the military academies, despite prohibitions against it. Women and minorities have not reached the same level of achievement as white males in some areas, although GAO found no evidence of deliberate or systematic efforts to treat them differently. Sexual harassment occurs more often than is reported. While most students, both men and women, believe that reported cases of harassment will be investigated and offenders appropriately punished, there are significant negative consequences to reporting harassment. GAO believes that military performance systems could be improved through the elimination of subjective elements. In GAO's view, the academy adjudicatory systems provide the maximum due process rights stipulated by the courts and some additional rights, with limitations.