The commanding general of the U.S. Army's Fort Sill said Thursday an investigation is underway into allegations of sexual assault made by a soldier against multiple members of training cadre.
Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper told reporters at a press briefing that a soldier assigned to the Comanche County installation came forward Saturday to report the assault, and the incident was immediately referred to law enforcement and the Army's criminal investigation division, or CID.
"Special agents ... conducted their initial interviews that same very day," Kamper said. "CID conducted follow-up interviews on Monday the 29th and have continued those interviews every day since."
Kamper said he had personally met with the soldier, who he said is currently safe and in the company of an Army special victim counsel.
"We're proud of the courage she displayed coming forward with these allegations," Kamper said.
Citing "investigation integrity," Kamper said he could not say how many cadre members were purported to be involved, but that "more than one" were under an investigation, during which they would be suspended from normal duty and kept from interacting with trainees. Kamper said the victim did not require hospitalization from the incident, which he indicated did occur on the installation.
Kamper said the soldier trainee was participating in advanced individual training at the time of the alleged assault. Kamper said that while he had dealt with sexual assault investigations in his Army leadership career, "it's not very often do we see the characterization of being assaulted by cadre members."
Kamper said the FBI was not currently involved in the investigation, but that additional support agencies from outside the military may be called upon as needed.
"Sexual assault will not be tolerated. It tears at the fabric of our community. We will provide further updates as we are able, while protecting the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation and the rights of all involved," Kamper said.
