Poland has emerged as the primary location for sexual assaults involving U.S. troops deployed overseas, with more than a quarter of such incidents reported in the country last year, according to new military data. This marks the third consecutive year Poland has led all nations in reported assaults involving American service members.
Last year, 73 sexual assaults were reported in Poland, a figure that is double that of any other country where U.S. troops are stationed. This increase coincides with a broader expansion of U.S. forces in Poland, which is increasingly viewed as a key hub for American security interests in Europe, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine. The U.S. has added approximately 10,000 troops to bolster NATO's eastern flank, and new bases in Poland are under consideration.
Despite the rise in Poland, overall sexual assault reports involving U.S. troops worldwide saw a slight decrease of about 2%, falling from 8,196 in fiscal year 2023 to 7,998 in fiscal year 2024. The Department of Defense report, mandated by Congress, also indicated that disciplinary action was taken against 1,321 individuals investigated for sexual assault. However, it is estimated that the actual number of assaults is higher, as only about a third of those who experienced unwanted sexual contact reported it.
While Poland leads the figures, other overseas locations also reported significant numbers of assaults. Kuwait and Qatar, where military bases have faced threats, recorded 30 and 24 reported assaults, respectively. Iraq reported 23 assaults, and Romania reported 20.
Individual cases underscore the severity of the issue. In one instance last year, U.S. Army Sgt. Ulrich Kameni was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting two women and mistreating another. Prosecutors stated that Kameni assaulted a female soldier under his supervision after she rejected his romantic advances and later assaulted a Polish civilian in a bar.
Congressional aides monitoring the issue have not readily provided an explanation for the acute problem in Poland, a country experiencing a rapid build-up of U.S. forces and proximity to Russian military activity. U.S. Army officials have stated a commitment to eliminating sexual assault and harassment, with a spokesperson noting "meaningful progress across prevention, and survivor support."