now. >> absolutely. >> were aware of this kind of abuse and basically covered it up. >> very much so and in most cases i encourage the viewers to read the complaints in this lawsuit. it's online on our website. it's egregious what's happening to these women and men commanding officers are absolutely implicit and oftentimes are involved in cover-ups because they don't want to be seen as having a problem in their unit. it's considered a leadership failure. it is if when something is reported to you don't act on it and you don't defend the women and men in your own unit. >> let me go back to myla and rebekah and ask them for your reaction to what secretary gates was saying. i mean as i say what struck me when i heard him was this idea that somehow now this is a priority. what was your reaction to that? let me ask you first -- let me ask myla first. >> there's -- it has been several years since i got out of the military and i've been following the issue and there have been a string of excuses