Editorial: Remove chain of command from military sex assault, harassment cases Express-News Editorial Board FacebookTwitterEmail 1of2 Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III supports taking sexual assault and harassment cases outside the military chain of command. It should have happened years ago.Gary Hershorn /AFP /TNSShow MoreShow Less 2of2 Spc. Vanessa Guillén has become a tragic symbol of the military’s failure to address sexual assault and harassment.United States Army /HandoutShow MoreShow Less Our military’s tradition of keeping sexual assault and harassment cases within the chain of command is beyond dishonorable. It’s anti-American, perpetuates future victims and must end.