ESO GUIDELINE FOR CONDUCTING | Page 20

>                   (1)  Preliminary inquiries.  Commanders should not automatically suspend DSs, PSGs, or other cadre simply because they are pending a preliminary inquiry into a trainee abuse allegation.  Commanders will make suspension decisions based upon the facts of each case, and may suspend individuals pending a preliminary inquiry if it will aid the inquiry, benefit the training environment, or for other valid command reasons. >           >                   (2)  Investigations.  Suspension of a DS or AIT PSG from his or her assigned duties is required when a serious incident occurs requiring an investigation IAW AR 614-200, paragraph 8-17d.  For all other incidents, the commander has the discretion whether or not to temporarily suspend the cadre member from his or her duties.  A serious incident consists of any actual or alleged incident, accident, misconduct, or act, primarily criminal in nature, and because of its nature, gravity, potential for adverse publicity, or potential consequences warrants timely notice to Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA).  Investigations include, but are not limited to investigations conducted IAW AR 156 or those conducted by the criminal investigation division or a military police investigator.   >           >                   (3)  Considerations.  In addition to the severity of the underlying incident, commanders should make any suspension determination only after considering all evidence available.  The number of witnesses, or volume of physical evidence, does not determine the weight given to the evidence.  Commanders should evaluate the evidence for factors including, but not limited to the witness's demeanor, opportunity for knowledge, information possessed, ability to recall and relate events, and other indications of truthfulness.  >           >                   (4)  Suspension of special dut y assignment pay (SDAP).  Suspension of DS SDAP will be done IAW AR 614200, paragraph 3-22e(8).  DS SDAP will not be suspended based upon the initiation of any inquiry or investigation into alleged DS misconduct >           >            e. Sexual Assault Allegations.  Commanders have significant leadership responsibilities for actions after receiving an unrestricted report of sexual assault.  In addition to complying with reporting requirements, commanders must ensure that the steps outlined in the checklist in figure 2-1 below are immediately taken in the event of receiving an unrestricted report of a sexual assault.  Note that not necessarily all the action listed below in figure 2-1 will be taken by the commander.  Nevertheless, commanders have the responsibility to ensure these actions are taken.  Additionally, note that the list below is not intended as a comprehensive list of all a commander’s responsibilities throughout the course of a sexual assault case.  Instead, this list is intended as a guide for immediate action upon receiving an unrestricted report of sexual assault.  For additional guidance regarding command action/responsibilities, see AR 60020, Appendix G, as well as Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6495.02, and consult with the servicing SJA >           >           >           >         2-8.  Integration of male and female Soldiers >           >            a.  For all MOS and courses open to female Soldiers, IET is gender integrated to the squad level.  All Soldiers, regardless of gender, train to the Army standard.  Performance requirement differences, such as APFT scoring are based on physiological differences, and apply to the entire Army.  Gender integrated training at the lowest levels enhances the ability of the training base to deliver a Soldier fully prepared to take their place in the ranks of a gender integrated Army.  Gender integrated training conducted in an environment where control and supervision are maximized mitigates the risk associated with this training (for example, pairing Soldiers of similar size and physical ability, regardless of gender during combative training). >           >