Army Sexual Assault Case: 'Multiple' Drill Sergeants Suspended Over Investigation

SAVANNAH, GA — After a female trainee at Fort Benning accused a drill sergeant of sexual assault, investigators discovered additional concerning allegations of "sexual misconduct," according to an Army spokesman.

Now, "multiple" drill sergeants at the fort have been suspended from their duties as the investigation continues. (For more local new coverage, subscribe to the Savannah Patch and receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

"There are multiple drill sergeants that are involved in the investigation," spokesman Ben Garrett said. Asked specifically how many had been suspended, he said: "We're not releasing that because it is part of the ongoing investigation."

Located in Columbus near the Georgia-Alabama state line, Fort Benning is a sprawling post that conducts soldiers' basic training. It's also home to the Army's infantry and armor schools, as well as the infamously grueling Army Ranger school.

More than 11,000 soldiers are stationed full-time at Fort Benning, plus a weekly average of roughly 17,000 trainees.

Garrett said no one had been charged in the case as of Wednesday.

Fort Benning has offered counseling, legal and medical services to all trainees involved in the case, the post's news release said. The number of trainees involved was also not released. Garrett said he did not know if all of them were female.

In May, the Pentagon reported there were 6,172 reports of sexual assault filed across all military service branches in 2016, compared to 6,083 the previous year.

By RUSS BYNUM, Associated Press

Lead photo: Soldiers, officers and civilian employees attend the commencement ceremony for the U.S. Army's annual observance of Sexual Assault Awareness. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images