Identifying Potential Sexual Deviants during the U.S. Navy's Recruiting Process

: The human cost of sexual assault in the U.S. Navy is extremely high, and is a bane to the Navy's morale and mission. The purpose of this research study was to discover and analyze known forms of identifying personnel with a predisposition for sexual deviance, with the goal of disqualifying them during initial screening before admittance to Naval service. The researcher analyzed three assessments that predict characteristics pointing to potential sexual misconduct, including the Sexual Adjustment Inventory, the Shedler Westen Assessment Procedure and the Dispositional Indicators of Risk Exposure, and the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES). The SES showed the highest potential of successful use and implementation when administered in conjunction with a focused education program such as the Navy's Sexual Assault Intervention Training. Instituting a two part prevention process would greatly reduce the total numbers of both perpetrators and victims of sexual assault.