( CNN ) -- The U.S. Army has suspended 55 soldiers from their duties as sexual assault counselors , recruiters and drill instructors after a review turned up violations ranging from alcohol-related offenses to sexual assault and child abuse , an Army official said Friday . The soldiers were identified as part of a review of the records of sexual assault counselors and recruiters ordered by U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel after a Pentagon report released in May found that more than 26,000 troops experienced an episode of `` unwanted sexual contact '' in 2012 , a huge jump from the 19,200 figure in a 2010 report . The 55 soldiers who were identified in the ongoing review `` are no longer assigned to those positions of trust and responsibility , '' the official , who spoke on condition of anonymity , said . The official was not authorized to release details , citing the ongoing review . Fort Carson soldiers accused of sexual misconduct involving minors . There has been no official disposition in most of the 55 cases , the official said . The Defense Department has stepped up efforts to hold perpetrators accountable , establishing a special victims unit to handle cases , working to improve tracking of reports and speeding transfers for troops who report a sexual assault by a member of their unit . Military officials worry that many victims do n't come forward because they are frightened of retaliation . Hagel said victims need to be made confident they can rely on the military 's justice system and that commanders will be held responsible . Daughters and moms now consider rape before applying to military . The Army has confirmed it is reviewing the records of 20,000 recruiters , sex assault and drill instructors , and that it is on track to finish the review by October 1 . `` We only want the very best to be in these positions of special trust . The steps we are taking are in keeping with our commitment to maintaining the special bonds of trust and confidence between the leader and his or her soldiers , '' Army spokesman George Wright said .
The 55 soldiers were identified in a review of records . The soldiers have been relieved from their duties as sexual assault counselors and recruiters . There has been no official investigation in most of the 55 soldiers , an official says . The records review is expected to be completed by October 1 .