Some good discussion on this topic and some points I would like to add...
A few folks have brought up being at the Academy the first few weeks and leaving the Yard. My guess is (although I haven't found it anywhere) is it probably means the first few weeks of the academic year. Could be wrong, but didn't see that information.
Obviously from my screen name I think we can figure out I played basketball, but my best friend played soccer at USNA. Our two teams were very close and could often been found rooting one another on. I must say a disclaimer, that Coach Gabarra has produced some phenomenal Midshipmen that became even better Navy and Marine Corps officers (Not sure about the statement they were all pilots). The list of accomplishments by former Navy Women's Soccer players is lengthy.
I agree with LITS, 99% of Midshipmen and Cadets do not tolerate this, just as I think 99% of young men and women don't at a civilian university. What happened to goldenlion is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. She was failed in so many ways. I am glad she was able to share her story and I hope it helped her in the healing process and we can all learn from her. With that being said, Midshipmen and Cadets are very protective of one another, male or female. I never once experienced any sexual assault, was harassed or felt liked a second class citizen. My two room mates at USNA said the same thing. I am not naive enough to know it doesn't happen though. A close friend of mine at USNA did have a sexual assault happen. She had been drinking heavily. Was put to bed and was then taken advantage of, when she was in no way shape or form capable of making that decision. She chose not to report the incident, it was her decision and we respected that. That predator was dealt with by her friends and essentially beaten the crap out of anytime he appeared anywhere. He eventually chose to leave. Right or wrong, doesn't matter, it goes to show it is not tolerated.
My Academy room mate lives in the Annapolis area and is a sponsor. She had a female Mid on YP cruise who was being harassed by a Firstie on her boat. She was very frank in her responses to him and told him to leave her alone, he was being inappropriate, and she was uncomfortable. She finally came and talked to all of us (my best friend and former room mate, her husband and me). We then accompanied her one evening and helped her talk to the OIC of the squadron for training. That Firstie was immediately removed and was dealt with. I believe he had the book thrown at him, but was retained. He never laid a hand on her and think that is what kept him from being tossed. But as you can see, she had an outlet and the situation was successfully dealt with. She is now married and doing well as a SWO.
If a young lady did report an incident, trust me there would be no reprisal from her upperclass. If there was they would be facing some serious charges that would include dismissal. She would have counselors, chaplains, mentors, etc that would be guiding her through the entire process. If she felt she was being targeted because of her reporting the incident she would have plenty of opportunities to mention it. Company officers and SNCOs would also be watching things like a hawk. If they were in the same company, one would be moved more than likely to the other side of Mother B. The accussed would also be told or issued a military protective order to not have contact with her, stay away from her, etc. (essentially its a restraining order of sorts).
The academies have tackled this issue head on IMPO. Alot of these incidences are so hard to clearly understand because there is often alcohol involved and sometimes are reported days, months, years later, and we only get half the picture of what happened in media (not true in all cases, but in these cases I think this is true). There are a great deal more females on the Yard these days then even when I was there. This is a better reflection of the fleet, but also provides more opportunities for mentorship and an outlet for females to report incidences. There are tons of outlets to report incidences to, not just the chain of command. Chaplains, professors, O reps, anyone! Sexual assault is taken very seriously.
Casey,
I think your view of the world will start to change in the next few years. Yes, USMA, just like USNA when I was there is male dominated. Infantry plays a large role in that. As a Marine our first job is to learn to be a basic rifle platoon commander, just as every enlisted Marine learns to become a basic rifleman. It is the core tenant of the USMC. I would venture to say it is also in the Army. Every job in the Army and Marine Corps outside of the infantry is made to support the folks on the ground fighting the fight, which is the grunts or anyone acting in that capacity. TBS has the same mentality that if you don't want to in the infantry then you are wrong. Well as a female that isn't an option. It is a mindset, not a reality. In fact I think out of 250 Marines we had 30 infantry spots. Not everyone can be in the infantry, but it is the core tenant of being a soldier or Marine. Trust me as service selection approaches and you move through the ranks at West Point, you will see the reality that not everyone wants to be in the infantry. Most of it is alot of talk and hype from young, eager, guys full of testosterone.
I was not familiar with the term trou... at USNA, WUBA is the derogatory term for females. I never once had an upperclassman or Mid call me that to my face, but it is used in conversation. Next year when you become an upperclass correct those who use the term, call them on the carpet. They know better and trust me it won't happen twice. In the USMC it is WM. Some of the older SNCOs used that term once when talking to me to reference another female Marine. I used to ask them if "M&Ms was an appropriate term for male Marines?" They would say no, then they got my point quickly and I never heard it again. You can't change the planet, but you can make a lasting effect on those around you. Best of luck and congrats on finishing up plebe year.