A Playground for Predators: MSTy's Story (Part 1)

MST y shares her journey from a military upbringing to her experiences in the Marine Corps, illustrating the challenges she faced as a young woman in a male-dominated environment. She discusses the impact of harassment, the struggle for identity, and the long-term effects of her experiences on her life after service.

Trigger Warning 

timestamp 07:19 - 12:48:  SA details, freezing, victim blaming, self-blame, derogatory words towards women, predatory behavior by older men

timestamp 20:41 - 26:20: harassment, dehumanization, explicit s*x acts, coercion, bribery, alcohol/drugging, lost memory, waking up alone, victim blaming

Takeaways

• MSTy's military background was influenced by her family's service.
• She chose the Marine Corps to be different from her family.
• Boot camp was challenging but manageable at a young age.
• MSTy faced significant harassment and misogyny during her service.
• She felt dehumanized and labeled in the military environment.
• MSTy's experiences shaped her identity and resilience.
• She struggled with boundaries and advocating for herself in the military.
• MSTy's individuality often put her at odds with military culture.
• Her experiences have had lasting effects on her mental health.
• MSTy's journey reflects the broader challenges faced by women in the military.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Misty's Journey
03:04 Family Background and Military Influence
05:58 Joining the Marine Corps
08:47 Experiences at Boot Camp and Initial Duty Station
12:12 Challenges Faced as a Female Marine
15:03 Coping Mechanisms and Identity
18:01 Reflections on Individuality in the Military
21:32 Navigating Early Experiences in the Military
24:52 Confronting Trauma and Its Aftermath