Podcast Guests Rachelle Smith Podcast Guests Rachelle Smith

Surviving Assault Secrets: The Stunning Repercussions For Men That Speak Up (Part 3)

Brian, a Marine Corps veteran, shares the next part of his journey from Marine to civilian in this episode. Explore the lasting impacts of military sexual trauma, PTSD, and the urgent need for support for male survivors. Read the full story and access helpful resources.

USMC veteran, Brian, shares his story in the latest episode of The Silenced Voices of MST

In the final part of this series, Brian, a Marine Corps veteran, gives us the meat and potatoes of managing PTSD, sleep, and intrusive thoughts. He credits much of his growth to guided meditations and continuously searching out new and different types of coping strategies that help him regain his power.

Brian's New Outlook on Life and Coping

Continuing his story from Part 2, Brian describes importance of meditation, finding the right therapist, and using storytelling as a tool for recovery. He also discusses the toxic culture within the military and why systemic change is necessary to protect future service members:

Trying to receive help

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Brian explains how sleep meditation and hypnosis techniques helped him process his trauma and find a sense of calm amid the chaos. Apps like Headspace are beneficial to those who have difficulty with insomnia due to anxiety, PTSD, and intrusive thoughts that can make it next to impossible to fall or stay asleep.

Like many survivors, Brian faced roadblocks within the military and VA system when seeking acknowledgment and assistance. He discusses how victim-blaming and also having mental health providers give up on him several times made it even harder for him to make progress. But he does stress that if you need help, keep trying. You will find someone that you mesh with, it takes time with different personalities to work together and build trust and rapport in therapy.

Toxic Military Culture & Systemic Failures

Brian and Rachelle discuss how harassment, abuse, and leadership failures create a culture where MST continues to happen unchecked. Although many members of the military are ready to ignore or outright deny the experiences of lives touched by MST, it doesn’t change reality. MST is a problem, and will continue to be until we address it as a systemic issue that is deeply ingrained in military culture. Brian shares why he decided to go public with his story, despite the stigma and backlash survivors often face. He explains how telling his truth helped him reclaim his power and encourage others to do the same.

Brian urges fellow survivors to seek help, share their stories, and find community in advocacy.

Click here to explore more survivors stories.

"Holding onto trauma is like a disease—it eats away at you.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Meditation can be a powerful healing tool for MST survivors.

  • Speaking out about trauma can be liberating and empowering.

  • The military must enact systemic changes to support MST survivors.

  • Finding the right therapist is crucial—don’t stop searching until you find one that fits.

  • Every survivor’s story matters, and sharing it can help others heal.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming episodes, new resources, and daily support.

Resources:

If this episode resonates with you, please share it, comment your thoughts, and leave a review to help amplify survivor voices. Together, we can change the conversation around MST and push for meaningful reform.

🎧 Full Episode Available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/silencedvoicesmst

Part 1 of MSTy’s story will release on March 18, 2025.

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Podcast Guests Rachelle Smith Podcast Guests Rachelle Smith

Surviving Assault Secrets: The Stunning Repercussions For Men That Speak Up (Part 2)

Brian, a Marine Corps veteran, shares the next part of his journey from Marine to civilian in this episode. Explore the lasting impacts of military sexual trauma, PTSD, and the urgent need for support for male survivors. Read the full story and access helpful resources.

Brian shares his story in the latest episode of The Silenced Voices of MST

In Part 2 of this 3-part series, Brian, a Marine Corps veteran, shares what it was like to navigate life after separating from the Marine Corps. He goes to college, tries to cope through partying, drinking, and promiscuity and doesn’t tell a soul that he’s a veteran. After landing a job with Jose Cuervo, he has a mental break that leads to him finding a magazine article that changes his life prior to leaving for China to rediscover himself. He explores finding his love of storytelling and expresses frustration with the lack of progress made by science in support of finding a treatment method for people with debilitating PTSD. Brian opens up about the struggles he faced after leaving the military, including the relentless grip of PTSD, the battle to be heard, and how he found strength in writing and advocacy.

Brian's Journey: From Dishonorable Discharge to Medically Retired

Picking up from where he left off in Part 1, Brian talks about the immediate aftermath, how his discharge affected his ability to get vital mental health care, and the lack of support he encountered after word spread among his peers. It was nearly impossible for him to seek justice, leaving him to process his trauma on his own. He earned the nickname “Blackout King” in college and hid the fact that he was a veteran from everyone and speaks about finding unhealthy coping mechanisms, including:

  • Substance use – Numbing the pain through alcohol and other substances.

  • Self-destructive behaviors – Using promiscuity as a means of dealing with what happened

Trying to receive help

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One of the most difficult battles Brian faced was not just recovering from trauma and unhealthy coping, but fighting for his experience to be acknowledged. He details the legal and bureaucratic hurdles that male MST survivors face when they seek recognition and support.

He shares his frustrations with the military’s reluctance to acknowledge male survivors and finally seeing that he was not alone in an article from GQ, titled “Son, Men Don’t Get Raped”. The article mirrored how MST, being improperlty discharged, and stigma impacts not only mental health care access but also disability claims and post-service support. This segment highlights the systemic failures that leave survivors without the help they desperately need.

Why Men’s Voices Matter

One of the major struggles for male MST survivors is finding therapy that actually works. Brian discusses the lack of specialized care for male survivors, the stigma of seeking help, and how many veterans are dismissed or misdiagnosed.

He shares how he eventually found therapists who understood his experience, and how trauma-focused therapy, meditation, and support groups played a role in his healing journey. Brian also calls out the lack of research and resources dedicated to male survivors of MST. He discusses:

  • The gaps in mental health services for veterans.

  • The need for better education about the true extent and definition of PTSD

  • The lack of research on military sexual trauma and PTSD that actually heals those who suffer

He stresses that change will happen if more survivors feel empowered to speak.

Click here to explore more survivors stories.

Brian notes that male survivors are often overlooked and underrepresented in conversations about sexual violence. He talks about the challenges of breaking through societal stigma and why it’s crucial for men to share their experiences.

"I found my path in storytelling..” – Brian

Key Takeaways:

  • Brian illustrates the struggles many veterans face after leaving the military when they've been harmed and are not discharged under honorable conditions

  • The importance of finding a voice for male survivors of sexual assault is crucial.

  • Coping mechanisms can vary widely, and what works for one may not work for another.

  • Storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and advocacy.

  • Brian's experience with the legal system highlights the challenges faced by veterans seeking justice.

  • The need for societal recognition of male sexual assault survivors is urgent.

  • Cultural rituals and ceremonies can play a significant role in healing for veterans.

  • Mental health treatment is often a long and challenging process for veterans.

  • Brian's transition to storytelling reflects a broader need for veterans to share their experiences.

  • The fight for recognition and support for veterans with PTSD due to MST continues.

Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming episodes, new resources, and daily support.

Resources:

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Podcast Guests Rachelle Smith Podcast Guests Rachelle Smith

Surviving Assault Secrets: The Stunning Repercussions For Men That Speak Up

Brian, a Marine Corps veteran, shares his journey from soldier to sexual assault survivor in this powerful episode. Explore the lasting impacts of military sexual trauma, PTSD, and the urgent need for support for male survivors. Read the full story and access helpful resources.

Brian shares his story in the latest episode of The Silenced Voices of MST

When we think of masculinity and military strength, the first image that pops into most people’s minds is a guy in the Marine Corps. Their motto says it all: The few. The proud. The Marines. It’s iconic, and so many young men and women respond to that message by enlisting or commissioning into the toughest service in the nation. But what happens more often than not is our blindness to the battles that men and women suffer in uniform among their peers. The amount of harassment and bullying is overlooked, and something like Military Sexual Trauma is hidden deeply away behind stoic facades and messages of honor and camaraderie.

In Part 1 of this deeply moving three-part series, Brian, a Marine Corps veteran, shares his journey from proud infantryman to survivor of sexual trauma and PTSD. His story gives us a look at the hidden experiences of male survivors in the military and the long-term repercussions of not only being victimized, but also speaking out and trying to receive help.

Brian's Journey: From Musician to Marine

Brian’s path to joining the Marines was similar to many that I’ve heard. It was a way to pay for school and his future musical aspirations, and military service was a family tradition. And although Brian had never felt pushed or encouraged to join by his family, a feeling of restlessness and boredom led him to a recruiter’s office at the age on 19, even after a friend warned him about joining. After a rough start and becoming fully immersed in USMC culture, he found himself and had a grueling, yet transformative experience while away at boot camp. Camaraderie, discipline, and feeling like he finally found his purpose shaped Brian, to the point that he excitedly called his parents one night saying, “This is what I want to do with my life.” But one serious injury and a night soon after changed his life forever.

What was supposed to be a night of NBA finals and letting off steam with a friend in San Diego, turned into a horrifying nightmare experience for both. Following their assaults, nothing was the same. Brian found himself isolated, bullied, and battling his mental health with little to no support. That led to trying to cope, by any means necessary… even career-ending ones.

Facing Harassment and Isolation

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After reporting the assault, Brian found himself in a worse situation than he could have ever imagined. Instead of providing relief, his words opened the door to constant harassment and ridicule from fellow Marines, men who were supposed to be his brothers in arms. Almost instantly, he was ostracized in a place that once felt like it had become home. This response, no matter how common, is tragic. The stigma that persists in “traditionally male environments” like the Infantry, toward male victims remains a driving force as to why more men do not come forward for help after incidents like these. Many suffer in silence, because the alternative is even worse.

Another run-in with law enforcement led to Brian facing a Medical Evaluation Board and Physical Evaluation Board process. Despite his trauma, he remained unsupported, even while navigating the difficult processes. This led to career-ending coping methods, and an Other than Honorable discharge from service, which further impacted his life, long after he hung up the uniform.

Why Men’s Voices Matter

Brian’s story is not just about his personal trauma but a broader conversation about the barriers male survivors face when speaking out. By sharing his story, Brian hopes to encourage other men to seek help and impress upon listeners the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors.

Click here to explore more survivors stories.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brian, a writer, producer, and Marine Corps veteran, shares his journey through trauma, isolation, and recovery.

  • His experience underscores the stigma surrounding male survivors of sexual assault, particularly within the military.

  • Brian faced harassment and isolation after reporting his assault, reflecting the cultural challenges in addressing sexual trauma among men.

  • His struggle with PTSD and substance use emphasizes the urgent need for better mental health resources for veterans.

Watch Part 1 on YouTube

In Part 1, Brian shares his profound journey from being a Marine Corps infantryman to a survivor of sexual trauma and PTSD. He discusses his initial motivations for joining the military, the transformative experiences during boot camp, and the life-altering incident that led to his struggles with mental health, unhealthy coping skills, and disillusionment with the Marine Corps. Brian frankly recounts the challenges he faced, including isolation, harassment, and the difficulties in seeking help after his discharge.

Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming episodes, new resources, and daily support.

Resources:

Part 2 of Brian’s story will release on March 4, 2025.

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Rachelle Smith Rachelle Smith

BIG VOICE MST | Podcast News Update - February 19th

Hi Madvocates, we’re back after a very long break. It’s time to share some updates with the podcast as well as news about MST and our community of victims, advocates, and survivors.

Blog Banner The BIG VOICE Podcast News Update February 19

Hi Madvocates, we’re back after a very long bresk. My apologies, I was quite ill for a long time. I had Covid, then an Upper Respiratory infection, the Covid again! Then my super intelligent self decided that getting the flu and Covid vaccine afterward was a great idea. Spoiler alert: It was not!

We are back though, and it time to share some updates with the podcast as well as news about MST and our community of victims, advocates, and survivors.

Our next episode will be starting on February 25, 2025. Our guest is named Brian, and he’s a former U.S. Marine Corps Infantryman. In the clip below, he shares the surreal experience of finding the GQ Article: https://www.gq.com/story/male-rape-in-the-military

So, another thing to bring up is The BIG VOICE. I wanted to bring that back, but with my schedule, adding another set of videos would not be feasible. But blog posts are! So I’ll be sharing a few news stories once a week to update the community on big news concerning MST globally, progress in accountability, and keeping an eye on how the new administration’s changes will affect us.

Soldier's tragic inquest sees more than 1,000 military women share stories of rape, abuse and harassment - as Army chief tells senior officers to 'step up'

Daily Mail UK
By Noor Qurashi and Andy Dolan

The head of the Army has written to senior officers condemning 'shameful behaviour' after more than 1,000 women shared stories following the suicide of a teenage soldier.

In a letter seen by MailOnline, General Sir Roly Walker said he was 'disgusted' by new allegations of sexual abuse and that the behaviour does not match 'our values and standards'.

It comes amid an inquest into the death of Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, who was tragically found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15 2021.

She had previously complained about the behaviour of a senior colleague who 'pinned her down and tried to kiss her' as well as another 'psychotic and possessive' male colleague who she feared had hacked her phone.

An Army service inquiry report published in October 2023 said it was 'almost certain' an 'intense period of unwelcome behaviour' had been a causal factor in the teenager's death.

Now, hundreds of women have shared stories of being raped, abused and harassed while serving in the military as the inquest into Gunner Beck's death continues.

Posts uploaded anonymously to social media include allegations of women being pinned to the floor by male officers as well as reports of men trying to force their way into their female colleagues' rooms.

Read the article here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14411121/soldier-inquest-100s-women-stories-sex-abuse.html

Soldiers Who Are Domestic Violence Victims

Psychology Today
By Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. and co-authored with Rachel Arment, JD

No one welcomes or invites domestic abuse. Certain life experiences may make a person less likely to recognize it. Our experience suggests that military training, along with childhood abuse, may prime people to suffer intimate partner abuse in silence.

“I can see how a military background, where their intention is to break you down, set me up to accept life with my husband. In bootcamp and as an enlisted person in the army, mistreatment was normal. I was expected to perform well under stress and duress. I did not have much of my identity or self-worth left. When I got together with my abuser, I felt a lot of pride and identity in helping him and his kids. I cooked elaborate meals, made his place into a home, and kept his house clean. I sucked it up when he was nasty, demanding, and unkind.” –A former military service member who became a victim of domestic abuse

Enlistees are generally quite young when they join the military. Their training and early service may be their first job, their first time away from home, and their first time out of the United States, if they ship out. These new experiences come with the expectation of total dedication. Employment is contracted rather than at will. Someone who is kicked out or who chooses to resign is seen as failing in the core values.

Read the article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/invisible-chains/202502/soldiers-who-are-domestic-violence-victims

Lawmakers want answers on DoD’s pause on sexual assault training

Federal News Network
By Michele Sandiford

House Democrats are pressing the Defense Department about the military services pausing sexual assault prevention and response training programs. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers said the decision is “not only irresponsible but also dangerous.” The lawmakers also said the law requires providing this training to incoming service members, civilian employees, first responders and staff directly supporting victims. At least some military branches have paused the program as the Defense Department works to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the government.

Read the SAPR Oversight Letter: https://sarajacobs.house.gov/imo/media/doc/sapr_oversight_letter.pdf
Read the article: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2025/02/lawmakers-want-answers-on-dods-pause-on-sexual-assault-training/

Alright, that’s our post. Please feel free to share the clip, and tune in on February 25, 2025.

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