The Shadow Side

Raised on her father’s stories as a Marine recruit, CJ Scarlet wanted to prove she could be as tough as her Dad. Like her twin brother, in 1981 she joined the Corps, and she excelled on the rifle range, became an expert marksman, and completed boot camp as an honor graduate. Scarlet planned on a twenty-year career as a photojournalist, but the constant sexual harassment she encountered at bases like Camp Pendleton turned her dream into a nightmare. 

For more powerful memories from veterans, visit the PBS series, American Veteran, where you can also watch the television series and digital short films. 

Learn more about American Experience 

Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads