Soldiers say it's happened for years, but new pressure is forcing the Pentagon to act.

New rules, however, come too late for some soldiers haunted by what happened more than 20 years ago, soldiers who are only now finding the courage to come forward and end their nightmares.

MORE ON THIS STORY Here are resources for victims of military sexual assault who need help. Women Organizing Women Women's Health Center VA Puget Sound

Like other members of her family, Linda Sue Swisher joined the Army in 1972 to become a medic.

It was in Germany, in Berlin. Linda Sue says she was raped by her fellow soldiers.

"I ended up being medivaced out of Berlin as a psychiatric patient," she said.

The rape, and her military experience, changed Linda Sue's life. And she's not alone.

The number of sexual assaults in the military is alarming: Department of Defense statistics show nearly 2,000 sexual assaults and rapes reported in 2002 and 2003, but a much larger number likely go unreported.

"You get overwhelmed because most people's stories are so emotionally involved that you don't know where to begin," said Susan Avila-Smith of Women Organizing Women.

Avila-Smith helps women who've been sexually traumatized during their military service.

Susan herself was an Army soldier with an abusive husband who threatened to kill her.

Now Susan's mission is helping others, and she's put together a collage to get them talking about it.

If they need immediate treatment or help with benefits -- she helps them get it.

Avila-Smith: "I say I make generals cry, and it's true. They don't want to do their job, but they don't have a choice. And to have that kind of power now after not having it..." Myers: "What do you tell them?" Avila-Smith: "They will do their job, this is what they're gonna do, they're gonna have it done by tomorrow and that's the way it is."

Brigadier General K.C. McClain commands the Joint Task Force for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.

She's worked to bring in brand-new Defense Department standards to combat military sexual assaults of both men and women.

"I think our focus was on the perpetrator and taking legal actions and at some times forgetting that we needed to also be paying attention to the victim and helping them start healing," said McClain.

Soldiers are to be better educated to prevent assaults in the first place, there will be improved support for victims, and a better system to investigate and prosecute offenders.

"Our real goal is to prevent sexual assault so we don't have victims," McClain said.

New goals and standards that might have made a difference in the life of this soldier 30 years ago.

Myers: "(It) still affects you?" Avila-Smith: "Yes, yes, yes."

There are more changes coming in the military.

For the first time, starting in June, the Pentagon is allowing victims to come forward 'without' immediately triggering an investigation.

In fact, commanders will learn of the assault, but will not be told of the victim's identification -- to avoid further harassment.