The arrest of a two-star general on charges of sexually harassing a female subordinate is yet another blow to the military, hit by a string of incidents that raise questions about discipline in the ranks.

The major general of the 17th Division is accused of sexually harassing a female noncommissioned officer in his office on five occasions between August and September. The female officer was a victim of a previous sexual harassment by another superior who is now serving a six-month jail sentence. The victim had been transferred to her current position after the first harassment.

In a recording, the major general, confronted by the female officer concerning his sexual harassment, is said to claim that he was trying to comfort her and hints that he would be able to look after her even after she is transferred. The major general is reported to be denying some of the charges and has appointed a lawyer.

The said major general is the first general to be detained without a warrant, a hopeful sign that the military intends to deal strictly with the case. As the offense took place after the military in February declared zero tolerance on sex crimes, the military should stand by its declaration and prosecute the offender to the fullest extent.

In an acknowledgement of the prevalence of sex crimes in the military, the Defense Ministry last year announced a “special comprehensive plan” to prevent sex crimes. However, the plan was clearly not working, judging by how a victim of sexual harassment was victimized again by her division commander, a person who was supposed to look after her welfare.

Today, female cadets are graduating at the top of the class at the military, air force and naval academies and the number of women in the military continues to grow. The military must root out sex crimes if it is to recruit and retain the best women.

The country relies on the military to protect its citizens. People expect high discipline from military personnel. Yet the sobering reality is that the military, including its leadership, is engaged in a culture of power abuse that eats away at the morale of the men and women who risk their lives in service to the country.

The Defense Ministry should let its members know in no uncertain terms that when it says it is committed to zero tolerance on sex crimes, it means it by taking concomitant actions. That will be a modest beginning to rooting out sex crimes in the military.