Alleged Uncivilized Behavior by U.S. Sailors Abroad

Two U.S. sailors, Seaman Christopher Browning and Petty Officer 3rd Class Skyler Dozierwalker, were arrested for allegedly raping a 27-year-old woman in Okinawa, Japan while they were temporarily deployed there.  The woman claimed that the two men followed her into an empty street, attacked her, slashed her neck, sexually assaulted her, and robbed her in front of her apartment building.

These facts were not disputed by Skyler Dozierwalker, as he has allegedly confessed to the crime.  I am sure the Okinawans are outraged about this unfortunate incident.  In my opinion, if this is true, the sailors will suffer some stiff punishments, not only as a matter of law, but also from the U.S. military.

Who Has Jurisdiction Over This Matter?

According to outlets following this story, “under the Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Japan, Japanese authorities are holding the sailors and have primary jurisdiction because it involved a Japanese national.”  To learn more about the Status of Forces Agreement, click here.

If these sailors are convicted, what do you think their punishment should be for such an uncivilized crime?