The military has tried to combat sexual assault with public service announcements that stress awareness, and training programs that call for sensitivity and an improved reporting system.

But revelations that some of those in charge of the programs have allegedly been perpetrators could undermine these efforts. Like the case of Colonel Jeffrey Krusinski, head of the Air Force sexual assault prevention and response unit, who is now charged with groping a woman near the Pentagon.

McClendon believes it's time for deep cultural changes. She recalls that while serving 12 years ago, it was acceptable for male soldiers to say they didn't want to work with women.

“When that's permitted, you've got a culture that promotes sexual assaults and rape. We need to challenge that paradigm. We need to have people saying we're not going to allow people to not work with women. If you don't want to work with women, you're not working in the military," she said.

With an estimated 26,000 assault cases last year, Congress is considering tougher penalties for sexual assaults in the military. Activists welcome those moves.

McClendon says creating a more diverse, gender-neutral environment in the military will ultimately advance as more women enlist.