Military Review English Edition November-December 2013 | Page 74

creating effective risk mitigation policies. Just as
counterinsurgents strive to establish an environment
that fosters the good governance for the population,
our SHARP efforts should foster an environment
that is intolerant of sexual misconduct, eliminating
the threat and simultaneously increasing trust in the
chain of command to address future issues effectively and fairly. Service members must continue
to treat one another with dignity and respect, but
must also remain vigilant to ensure they are not
vulnerable to attacks from within their own ranks.
Implementing risk mitigation policies does not
imply that a potential victim is in any way at fault
because of their own actions; however, the fact
remains that these predators do exist. This does
not mean we must live in a perpetual state of fear,
but we must put safeguards in place to decrease the
possibility of these crimes being committed. I would
have never allowed one of my soldiers to walk
alone throug h a village in Afghanistan. While the
majority of Afghans in the village may not harbor
any negative feelings toward U.S. soldiers, there
are a select few individuals who have nefarious
intentions and are lying in wait for an opportunity
to strike. The same principle holds true in a garrison
environment. The buddy system is a policy created
for a very specific reason: for service members to
protect one another. We are stronger together.
Leadership is fundamental in creating an environment that is not conducive to sexual misconduct.
An unprofessional, undisciplined environment can
facilitate sexual assault or harassment. Tolerating
inappropriate conversations or activities in the
workplace undermines the chain of command’s
ability to instill respect and professionalism in
the daily operating environment. The success of
SHARP programs depends on the capability and
involvement of the chain of command, coupled
with support provided by outside sources and other
service members within our formations.
Stabilize the force to allow commanders to
provide for their individual formations. Victims
of sexual crimes often know the perpetrator before
the assault. It could be a date, acquaintance, coworker, boss, family member, ex-partner, or neighbor. Commanders should insist on a professional
work environment. Inappropriate social interactions outside of a traditional work environment
can have negative consequences. A proper respect
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for command structure is vital to a professional
environment. Fraternization increases the potential
for the unprofessionalism. This is very dangerous.
Conversations becomes less guarded and can begin
to include off-color jokes and comments that some
may find particularly offensive.

The buddy system is a policy
created for a very specific reason:
for service members to protect
one another. We are stronger
together.

Unfortunately, even today there remains an underlying fear of repercussions for those soldiers who are
trapped in a hostile or unprofessional work environment.26 We should empower service members of all
ranks and positions to intervene and protect those in
danger, without fear of repercussion. Junior noncommissioned officers and enlisted soldiers should understand they have a professional and moral obligation
to intervene when inappropriate behaviors occur.
Leaders should not force service members to endure
a degrading, offensive atmosphere in the workplace
because a complacent command climate allows such
behavior to continue uninhibited.
Through all levels of the military, officers and
senior noncommissioned officers must ensure that
they do not tolerate fraternization, but instill discipline in their subordinates and demand a respectful,
professional work environment.
Conduct education and information operations
targeting perpetrators, victims, and potential
victims. The DOD Report stresses the need for commanders to ensure soldiers understand, for example,
that “the consumption of alcohol can impair the
judgment of both parties, and the consequences of
an alcohol-related sex crime can have a significant
and long-lasting impact” on the victim, the offender,
unit cohesion, and the readiness of the force.27
Sexual predators and potential perpetrators must
understand the severe consequences that accompany
sexual misconduct. Every member of the Armed
November-December 2013

• MILITARY REVIEW