Hagel: New Officers Must Help Eliminate Assault

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel speaks with airmen of the 20th Air Force 90th Missile Wing during a trip to F.E. Warren Air Force Base on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 in Cheyenne, Wyo. It was the first time since 1982 that a... Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel speaks with airmen of the 20th Air Force 90th Missile Wing during a trip to F.E. Warren Air Force Base on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 in Cheyenne, Wyo. It was the first time since 1982 that a defense secretary has visited the nuclear missile base. (AP Photo/Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Blaine McCartney) MORE LESS
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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says new officers need to lead thefight against sexual assault and help people in the military facing mental health issues.

Hagel told the graduating class of the U.S. Naval Academy on Friday that students have seen how sexual assaultcan destroy trust and confidence at the heart of the military. He told them to use their experience to make sure everyone is treated respectfully.

In the past year, the academy has seen the prosecution of three academy football players accused ofsexually assaulting a classmate. Charges against two were dropped. The third was acquitted.

Hagel also told graduates they will lead people struggling with mental health issues as the nation concludes 13 years of war. He says those people must be embraced, not stigmatized.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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