I was assaulted at USAFA and left before graduating. Can I get help at the VA?
Yes. You are eligible for free treatment but not VA disability benefits. VHA Directive 1115, "Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Program" was released on May 8, 2018 and can be found in the VHA Publications library. This replaces the previous MST Programming Directive, VHA Directive 2010-033. Reflecting changes made to VA's legal MST treatment authority in 2014, the Directive now states that eligibility for MST-related services includes sexual trauma that occurred during inactive duty training (essentially weekend drill for the National Guard and Reserves). This is the status cadets are in while at USAFA.
To receive free treatment related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Veterans do not need a VA service-connected disability. Veterans do not need to have reported the incident when it happened or have other documentation that it occurred. There are no length-of-service requirements to receive care, and some Veterans may be able to receive free MST-related care even if they are not eligible for other VA care. For more information, contact the MST coordinator at your nearest VA Medical Center or visit their website. A list of VA and Vet Center facilities can be found in the online directory.
You will need your DD214 to receive free treatment.
Yes. You are eligible for free treatment but not VA disability benefits. VHA Directive 1115, "Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Program" was released on May 8, 2018 and can be found in the VHA Publications library. This replaces the previous MST Programming Directive, VHA Directive 2010-033. Reflecting changes made to VA's legal MST treatment authority in 2014, the Directive now states that eligibility for MST-related services includes sexual trauma that occurred during inactive duty training (essentially weekend drill for the National Guard and Reserves). This is the status cadets are in while at USAFA.
To receive free treatment related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Veterans do not need a VA service-connected disability. Veterans do not need to have reported the incident when it happened or have other documentation that it occurred. There are no length-of-service requirements to receive care, and some Veterans may be able to receive free MST-related care even if they are not eligible for other VA care. For more information, contact the MST coordinator at your nearest VA Medical Center or visit their website. A list of VA and Vet Center facilities can be found in the online directory.
You will need your DD214 to receive free treatment.
Where do I get my DD214 if I no longer have a copy?
If you went to the United States Air Force Academy and did not graduate, a copy of your DD214 can be obtained by writing and requesting one from the Registrar’s Office at the Academy. Your request should include pertinent information such as your full name, your class year at the Academy, your social security number, date of birth, and approximate dates of service (month/year you entered and left). The request should be sent to:
If you went to the United States Air Force Academy and did not graduate, a copy of your DD214 can be obtained by writing and requesting one from the Registrar’s Office at the Academy. Your request should include pertinent information such as your full name, your class year at the Academy, your social security number, date of birth, and approximate dates of service (month/year you entered and left). The request should be sent to:
Student Academic Affairs and Academy Registrar
2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 2G13
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 2G13
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
What is SAGR?
Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (SAGR) is an anonymous, voluntary survey given every other year to students at the Military Service Academies. “The 2018 Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (2018 SAGR) is designed to track unwanted sexual contact and sexual harassment issues at the Service Academies. The U.S. Code, Title 10, Armed Forces, as amended by Section 532 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2007, codified an assessment cycle at the Academies that consists of alternating surveys and focus groups. This requirement applies to the DoD Academies (U.S. Military Academy [USMA], U.S. Naval Academy [USNA], and U.S. Air Force Academy [USAFA]). The first assessment in this series was conducted in 2004 by the DoD Inspector General (IG). Responsibility for subsequent assessments was transferred in 2005 to the H&R Division within OPA.” Source OPA, 2018 Service Academy Gender Relations Survey, Statistical Methodology Report.
Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (SAGR) is an anonymous, voluntary survey given every other year to students at the Military Service Academies. “The 2018 Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (2018 SAGR) is designed to track unwanted sexual contact and sexual harassment issues at the Service Academies. The U.S. Code, Title 10, Armed Forces, as amended by Section 532 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2007, codified an assessment cycle at the Academies that consists of alternating surveys and focus groups. This requirement applies to the DoD Academies (U.S. Military Academy [USMA], U.S. Naval Academy [USNA], and U.S. Air Force Academy [USAFA]). The first assessment in this series was conducted in 2004 by the DoD Inspector General (IG). Responsibility for subsequent assessments was transferred in 2005 to the H&R Division within OPA.” Source OPA, 2018 Service Academy Gender Relations Survey, Statistical Methodology Report.
Why ZASA?
Our original name was “USAFA Women”. It did not reflect our mission and was perceived by some as alienating to men who are also survivors of sexual assault. Zoomies is a nickname USAFA cadets have historically been called by other military service academy students.
Our original name was “USAFA Women”. It did not reflect our mission and was perceived by some as alienating to men who are also survivors of sexual assault. Zoomies is a nickname USAFA cadets have historically been called by other military service academy students.
Who are we and why did we start?
We are a group of graduates and former cadets of the United States Air Force Academy who believe the situation at the Academy regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment is unacceptable and additional efforts are required to help the Academy in combatting it.
We are a group of graduates and former cadets of the United States Air Force Academy who believe the situation at the Academy regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment is unacceptable and additional efforts are required to help the Academy in combatting it.
How can I help?
- Add your voice by joining ZASA (member sign up page)
- Spread the word about ZASA to your USAFA classmates (both men and women) and encourage them to join and volunteer for one of the ZASA Committees
- As a ZASA member, volunteer with us in a variety of support roles
- Attend events to support survivors: USAFA Pathways Sexual Assault summits, USAFA sexual assault-related General Court Martial proceedings
- Attend events to understand ongoing efforts/activities at the Academy: National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) - a free event held the last weekend of February each year; USAFA Board of Visitors meetings held two to three times a year at USAFA and in Washington, DC
How prevalent is sexual assault at USAFA?
The results from the Academic Program Year 2017-2018 Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies and the 2018 SAGR survey indicate that 221 USAFA cadets experienced Unwanted Sexual Contact from May 2017 to April 2018. The breakdown of this number is 15.1% of USAFA Women and 1.8% of USAFA Men. These are the highest numbers recorded since the DoD began conducting the SAGR Surveys.
The results from the Academic Program Year 2017-2018 Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies and the 2018 SAGR survey indicate that 221 USAFA cadets experienced Unwanted Sexual Contact from May 2017 to April 2018. The breakdown of this number is 15.1% of USAFA Women and 1.8% of USAFA Men. These are the highest numbers recorded since the DoD began conducting the SAGR Surveys.
What is Unwanted Sexual Contact?
The term “unwanted sexual contact” does not appear in the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). For the purposes of the Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (SAGR) and the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, it is used to refer to a range of sex-related offenses that the UCMJ prohibits. These offenses include completed or attempted oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by a body part or an object and the unwanted touching of genitalia, buttocks, breasts, or inner thighs when the survivor did not or could not consent. The definition of unwanted sexual contact used in the SAGR is behaviorally based and not intended to designate specific UCMJ offenses or establish crime rates. The vast majority of survey respondents would not know the differences among the UCMJ offenses of “sexual assault,” “aggravated sexual contact,” and “forcible sodomy” described in Articles 120 and 125 of the UCMJ. As such, using behaviorally based questions allows for more accurate estimation of prevalence rates (Fisher & Cullen, 2000). (Source: 2018 Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies and the 2018 SAGR Survey).
The term “unwanted sexual contact” does not appear in the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). For the purposes of the Service Academy Gender Relations Survey (SAGR) and the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, it is used to refer to a range of sex-related offenses that the UCMJ prohibits. These offenses include completed or attempted oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by a body part or an object and the unwanted touching of genitalia, buttocks, breasts, or inner thighs when the survivor did not or could not consent. The definition of unwanted sexual contact used in the SAGR is behaviorally based and not intended to designate specific UCMJ offenses or establish crime rates. The vast majority of survey respondents would not know the differences among the UCMJ offenses of “sexual assault,” “aggravated sexual contact,” and “forcible sodomy” described in Articles 120 and 125 of the UCMJ. As such, using behaviorally based questions allows for more accurate estimation of prevalence rates (Fisher & Cullen, 2000). (Source: 2018 Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies and the 2018 SAGR Survey).
Why don’t cadets report?
The reasons vary between the SAGR Surveys and between genders. The five top responses for not reporting Unwanted Sexual Contact (USC) from USAFA Women and Men in the 2018 SAGR Survey were:
USAFA Men
The reasons vary between the SAGR Surveys and between genders. The five top responses for not reporting Unwanted Sexual Contact (USC) from USAFA Women and Men in the 2018 SAGR Survey were:
USAFA Men
- Thought it was not serious enough to report
- Took care of the problem himself by forgetting about it and moving on
- Took care of the problem himself by avoiding the person who assaulted him
- Took care of the problem by confronting the person who assaulted him
- Other
USAFA Women
More information can be found on the Reporting facts page.
- Did not want more people to know
- Thought it was not serious enough to report
- Took care of the problem herself by avoiding the person who assaulted her
- Took care of the problem herself by forgetting about it and moving on
- Did not want people talking or gossiping about her
More information can be found on the Reporting facts page.
How does USAFA compare to other service academies?
The numbers vary between the SAGR Surveys but, in general, the prevalence rate at USAFA is lower than at USNA and higher than at USMA with the exception of the 2018 SAGR Survey where USMA was higher than both USNA and USNA.
The numbers vary between the SAGR Surveys but, in general, the prevalence rate at USAFA is lower than at USNA and higher than at USMA with the exception of the 2018 SAGR Survey where USMA was higher than both USNA and USNA.
How does USAFA compare to the active duty Air Force?
Prevalence at USAFA is significantly higher than in active duty Air Force. The results for 2018 were 15.1% for USAFA women versus 4.3% for active duty women and 1.8% for USAFA men versus 0.5% for active duty men. Note that unlike the active duty AF population, USAFA’s approximately 4,300 cadets are 17 to 26 years old, unmarried and housed in two dorms, on the single campus.
Prevalence at USAFA is significantly higher than in active duty Air Force. The results for 2018 were 15.1% for USAFA women versus 4.3% for active duty women and 1.8% for USAFA men versus 0.5% for active duty men. Note that unlike the active duty AF population, USAFA’s approximately 4,300 cadets are 17 to 26 years old, unmarried and housed in two dorms, on the single campus.
What happened to the Sexual Assault, Prevention, and Response Office (SAPRO) in 2017?
Following an investigation ordered by then Superintendent Lt. General Michelle D. Johnson into the culture and climate of the USAFA SAPR Office, the manager of the USAFA SAPR Office (who was also the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or SARC) was removed from her position and four of the remaining six employees were later suspended. (Source: Military.com)
Following an investigation ordered by then Superintendent Lt. General Michelle D. Johnson into the culture and climate of the USAFA SAPR Office, the manager of the USAFA SAPR Office (who was also the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or SARC) was removed from her position and four of the remaining six employees were later suspended. (Source: Military.com)
What has changed since then?
The USAFA SAPR hired new staff and the staff increased to 10 members. In addition to a new Program Manager, there are two deputy Program Managers one civilian and one military. There is a separate Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for the 10th ABW. The Cadet Wing has its own dedicated SARC and three Victim Advocates (VA). Additionally, two Violence Prevention Integrators (VPI) are now assigned to USAFA.
The USAFA SAPR hired new staff and the staff increased to 10 members. In addition to a new Program Manager, there are two deputy Program Managers one civilian and one military. There is a separate Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for the 10th ABW. The Cadet Wing has its own dedicated SARC and three Victim Advocates (VA). Additionally, two Violence Prevention Integrators (VPI) are now assigned to USAFA.
What is a Special Victim Counsel (SVC)?
Attorneys who are assigned to provide legal assistance to sexual assault survivors through independent representation; builds and sustains survivor resiliency; empowers survivors; increases the level of legal assistance provided to survivors. (Source: USAFA)
Attorneys who are assigned to provide legal assistance to sexual assault survivors through independent representation; builds and sustains survivor resiliency; empowers survivors; increases the level of legal assistance provided to survivors. (Source: USAFA)
How does USAFA compare to other universities?
Besides the Service Academies, few if any colleges and universities survey their students regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment. In 2016, Duke University initiated a similar anonymous, voluntary student survey and conducted a second one in 2018. While the SAGR survey uses the term Unwanted Sexual Contact, the Duke University Survey uses the term Sexual Assault. The results show higher prevalence than at USAFA for both men and women but similar trends regarding increases between 2016 and 2018. When comparing Duke University to USAFA the undergraduate numbers should be used.
Copies of the results of both the 2016 and 2018 surveys conducted by Duke University, along with the 2018 SAGR are available.
Besides the Service Academies, few if any colleges and universities survey their students regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment. In 2016, Duke University initiated a similar anonymous, voluntary student survey and conducted a second one in 2018. While the SAGR survey uses the term Unwanted Sexual Contact, the Duke University Survey uses the term Sexual Assault. The results show higher prevalence than at USAFA for both men and women but similar trends regarding increases between 2016 and 2018. When comparing Duke University to USAFA the undergraduate numbers should be used.
Copies of the results of both the 2016 and 2018 surveys conducted by Duke University, along with the 2018 SAGR are available.
How can I help someone who was sexually assaulted?
We recommend checking out the advice page maintained by RAINN.
We recommend checking out the advice page maintained by RAINN.