This situation involving the New Hampshire National Guard highlights concerns over leadership’s handling of sexual harassment allegations.
Lt. Col. Mark Patterson, who was court-martialed and discharged for harassing female soldiers, became the focal point of scrutiny after a CNN investigation alleged a wider culture of harassment and improper discipline of those who spoke out.
Adjutant General David Mikolaities defended the Guard’s actions, emphasizing changes to officer selection processes and an external review that found their harassment reporting systems compliant.
Mikolaities rejected claims that more could have been done, while Governor Chris Sununu backed the Guard, pointing out that action had been taken against Patterson.
However, concerns about a potential culture of retaliation and the overall climate within the Guard remain contentious.
This situation brings up broader issues regarding how military institutions handle internal complaints, particularly around harassment, and the ongoing challenges of fostering a safe environment for all personnel.