Obama Tells Naval Academy Grads To Avoid Sexual Misconduct, Defends Scandals

Sex Assaults Threaten Military Trust, Obama Tells Naval Graduates (CNN)

A rash of sexual assaults in the armed forces undermines Americans' confidence in the military, President Barack Obama told newly commissioned officers at the U.S. Naval Academy Friday.

"Those who commit sexual assault are not only committing a crime, they threaten the trust and discipline that makes our military strong," Obama told the graduates, who were commissioned as Naval ensigns and Marine Corps second lieutenants.

"That's why we have to be determined to stop these crimes. Because they have no place in the greatest military on Earth," Obama continued.

The president's remarks came amid mounting outrage over sexual abuse cases in the armed forces. Figures show the rate of assaults in the armed forced increasing, and some top officers are under fire for condoning such acts.