MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) - Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore is causing controversy with her comments regarding a possible link between military culture and a rise in sexual assaults among troops.
Appearing on MSNBC Sunday, the Milwaukee Democrat told host Alex Witt, "When you look at the mission of the military and military culture, which is about aggression and about war, it shouldn't surprise us at all that sexual assault would emerge as a huge issue that they need to look at."
President of the United Patriotic Society Larry Heyrman disagrees with that statement.
"You're trained to do you job," says Heyrman. "And I don't think it makes you more aggressive towards woman, sexual-wise."
Heyrman admits that it's a different world for military members. In the 1950's when Heyrman served, it was an all-male military. However, Heyrman says sexual assault training takes place, and doesn't feel the military culture breeds aggressive sexual action.
The military recently announced the results of a survey that estimated there were 26,000 instances of unwanted sexual conduct among troops in 2012. That's up 35 percent from 2010.