We are not just the ones that sit in the back anymore. We're actually leading troops and leading a team and hopefully winning the battle out there.

As we look at the people we need to attract to serve in our military, if we don't expand

the numbers of women, we're not going to have the people we need to do the jobs.

For almost 80 years, women have served this country in uniform.

And today, over 200,000 serve in active duty forces.

They are critical to the military's success and our national security

depends on their contributions, sacrifices, and achievements.

But as they protect us, they are facing a threat that no soldier should ever have to face.

It is estimated that one in four service women will experience a sexual assault during

their career in the military.

And the military's separate justice system,

overseen by commanders, has been criticized

for its low rate of conviction. The cost for each survivor is incalculable. At the same time the trend is undermining our military's readiness and harming recruitment and retention.

Last week, the Pentagon announced that it will implement an eight-year plan to curb these crimes,

and to begin moving cases outside the oversight of commanders.

But will it be enough?

I'm Gabriel Sierra and this is why it matters.

Today the important role of women in the military

and the system that has failed them.

So what are some of the key facts that you think people should know when it comes to

sexual assault and the military?

Well that it is at a crisis number and it's not getting any better.

...