Military critics as well as defenders stress that the lion’s share of National Guard personnel maintain Army values and perform admirably when activated. Yet for decades, state Guards have been shaken by serious misconduct — scandals exposed by victims or whistleblowers who, in many cases, became targets of retaliation. In Maryland, USA TODAY exposed the plight of a Black soldier who was subjected to racist hazing and forced to wear chains as punishment. In Wisconsin, the state's Justice Department urged reforms after a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation revealed that 33 sexual assault cases had been mishandled by National Guard leaders who failed to properly investigate or hold perpetrators accountable. In Arkansas, command climate surveys obtained by USA TODAY reveal troops saying that the Guard is “one of the most corrupt organizations I have ever seen.” Yet there is no nationwide, centralized record-keeping for discipline and accountability. To read the full story, click the link in our bio. #nationalguard #military #corruption