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Pentagon panel seeks to end commanders’ role in deciding if military sex assault cases advance

An aerial view of the Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia.
CNN
An aerial view of the Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia.

WASHINGTON, DC — The Associated Press has learned that a Pentagon panel is recommending that decisions to prosecute service members for sexual assault be made by independent authorities, not commanders.

It would be a major reversal of military practice and a change long sought by Congress members.

The recommendation by an independent review commission created by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin goes against decades of vehement Pentagon arguments to keep cases within the chain of command.

It was among a number of initial recommendations delivered to Austin on Thursday, according to two senior defense officials.

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Associated Press

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