However, and I have three daughters and serve in the DoD so I think of this constantly, how did the 18 year old soldier get private access to the 14 year old girl?
At 14, kids can go nearly anywhere on base. Unfortunately, it’s not realistic for most people to have their teens tied to their hip 24-7.
The story isn’t very clear on how the attack happened. The girl may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time or he may have stalked her and found an opportunity.
All you can do is instill your kids with solid morals and values and teach them situational awareness.
Having been an 18 year old military member, I am super sensitive to base activities and what kids can do.
And in this day and age, my 14 year old (actually 13), does not go anywhere without another member of her family.
She reads the news and knows she can be a target.
As once said “The best way to not be in a bar fight at 2:00 in the morning, is to not be in a bar at 2:00 in the morning).