Col. Meghann Sullivan, a US Army officer born on September 13, 1979, made history by being the first female commander of a Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) battalion. A contentious investigation into her was also launched in response to claims that she had harassed and sexually assaulted male subordinates. Everything you need to know about her life, profession, and controversy is provided here.
| Name |
Col Meghann Sullivan
|
| Birthplace |
North Carolina, USA
|
| Branch | US Army |
| Unit | I Corps |
| Spouse | John Sullivan |
| DOB | 13 September 1979 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Education |
United States Military Academy at West Point (B.S. in Civil Engineering, minor in Arabic)
|
Early Life of Col Meghann Sullivan
On September 13, 1979, Col. Meghann was born into a family with a history of military service. Her brother is a Marine, and her father, grandfather, and uncle were all Army veterans. She was an intellectual and athletic standout in her little Pennsylvanian village growing up. In addition to being the soccer team captain, she was the valedictorian when she graduated from high school. She also studied at GSPM Latin America at The George Washington University.
She majored in civil engineering and minored in Arabic at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 2002, she received her commission in the Engineer Corps as a second lieutenant. In 2003, she wed John, an Army officer and fellow West Point alumnus. A daughter and a son are their two kids.
Controversies Related to Col Meghann Sullivan
Col Meghann Sullivan was relieved of her leadership of the 5th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, in October 2023 owing to a “lack of confidence” in her capabilities.
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She was also probed for sexual assault and harassment against several male subordinates, according to reports. She was accused of forcibly kissing one man, grabbing another below the belt without consent, and making indecent remarks and gestures to others. Some of the incidents were allegedly related to alcohol usage.
The Army has not revealed the contents or outcome of the probe, citing privacy concerns. It is unclear whether Col Meghann will face court martial or other disciplinary action. She has not publicly addressed the claims or her dismissal. She has also deactivated her social media profiles, including her Instagram page, where she shared images of her family and military activities.
Career in the Military and Accomplishments of Col Meghann Sullivan
Col. Meghann Sullivan has served in numerous posts and deployments all around the world during her illustrious and varied military career. She has been stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Jordan, where she oversaw engineering initiatives, gave security force advice, and carried out operations against terrorists. She has also held positions as a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, a planner at the Pentagon, and an instructor at the Engineer School.
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The Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab are just a few of the honors and decorations she has received. In addition, she has finished several military education courses, including the School of Advanced Military Studies, the Command and General Staff College, the Engineer Officer Basic Course, and the Engineer Captain’s Career Course.
When she assumed leadership of the 5th Brigade Engineer unit, 5th SFAB, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington in June 2021, she made history as the first woman to command an SFAB unit. Specialized units known as SFABs provide partner nations with security and defense-related training and advice. Col. Sullivan oversaw a group of engineer advisors that provided support to missions in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
Why Col Meghann Sullivan is Fired From the Army?
Military.com first reported that an Army officer was demoted from her command for a pattern of sexual harassment and assault against male subordinates.
Maj. Gen. Donn Hill, the commander of Security Force Assistance Command, reportedly relieved Col. Meghann Sullivan of her command of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade’s Engineer Battalion last autumn, as reported by SFAC. Sullivan was terminated at the time “due to a lack of confidence” in her leadership capabilities.
Military.com reported on the investigation into the sexual assault allegations made against Sullivan. According to sources with knowledge of the investigation, Sullivan allegedly caressed and forcibly kissed two male subordinates without their consent, one below the belt and the other. It is further claimed that she subjected another male combatant to sexual harassment.