Military Review English Edition November-December 2013 | Page 75

WITHIN OUR RANKS
resources. Victims will only come forward after
they are confident their chain of command can be
trusted to protect them.
We must empower the victims and potential
victims of sexual assault to protect themselves,
provide healing, and reprimand the perpetrators.
Train and equip the force with the necessary
skills to combat sexual assault from within
each formation in the Armed Forces. Just as the
Armed Forces have adapted to the ever-evolving
operational environments in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last 12 years, they too must adapt a
counter to an even more insidious threat—sexual
assault and sexual harassment. We must continue
to provide training and mentorship to each soldier,
sailor, airman, and marine, to not only recognize
inappropriate behavior, but to have the knowledge,
experience, and moral fortitude to stand up for
what is right and change the atmosphere within
our ranks. The Army’s portion of the DOD Report
disclosed that 97 percent of alleged offenders were
male and 59 percent were E1-E4.29

(U.S. Army, Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade)

Forces should be able to identify the different types
of offenses and the contributing factors, such as
irresponsible use of alcohol, which can serve as a
catalyst in certain situations. This is where personal
responsibility is vital. Some wonder if renewed
pressure concerning the prosecution of military
commanders for sexual offenses will result in cases
being tried, despite a lack of evidence to prove guilt
beyond a reasonable doubt.28 Despite the question of
fairness involved, the fact is that when alcohol and
sexual activity are combined, the parties involved
have exposed themselves to claims of sexual misconduct. Effective educational programs will persuade
some would-be offenders to act more responsibly,
ultimately preventing future assaults.
Recent attention to the growing issue of sexual
misconduct has highlighted the need for confidential,
safe, and reliable services for victims—services that
were unavailable in the past. Now there are numerous
services available to provide support to those in need,
and it is the responsibility of leaders on every level to
ensure their subordinates are aware of the available

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno gives his remarks at the Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention Summit in Leesburg, Va., 8 May 2012.

MILITARY REVIEW

• November-December 2013

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