Stuff They Don't Want You To Know Assault and Murder: The Grand Conspiracy of Military Cover-ups
Mar 18, 2026
They explore how massive military scale and secrecy can hide wrongdoing. They discuss language and branding that shape public perception. They chronicle high-profile cases and family claims of cover-up. They examine systemic culture, auditing gaps, and calls for legal reform.
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Military Size Creates Siloed Secrecy Risks
- The Department of Defense is the largest single employer in the U.S., with over 1.3 million active-duty service members plus civilians and contractors.
- That scale creates siloed knowledge, uneven oversight, and opportunities for crimes to be hidden within complexity.
Vanessa Guillen Case That Sparked Outcry
- Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old soldier at Fort Hood, disappeared on April 22, 2020 and was later found dismembered and burned near the Leon River.
- Family and public protests accused Fort Hood leadership of stonewalling and possible execution of suspect Aaron Robinson after he was found and then died by gunshot on July 1, 2020.
Marine Florence Smorgoner Assault And Failed NCIS Probe
- Florence Schmorgener (Schmo) said she was groped and sexually assaulted in a closed barracks room in 2015 and initially feared reporting due to retaliation.
- After restricted then unrestricted reports, NCIS closed the probe despite an on-phone confession and no consequences for the accused.
