Sexual assault, what is being done about it

Published Oct. 2, 2013
By Senior Airman Alexis Siekert
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Combating sexual assault is the number one priority in the Department of Defense, according to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Through mandatory training, initiatives and stand down days, each service is taking this issue seriously. The Air Force incorporated another tactic to address this issue.

Representatives from the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Headquarters, located in the Pentagon, completed its Air Force-wide focus group at Spangdahlem Air Base Sept. 26.

The focus group was hosted by 14 bases across four major commands. The mission of the groups was to hear not only what the Airmen think are the problems but also how they feel the Air Force should address sexual assaults.

To get the most diverse and honest answers, participants divided into smaller groups separated by wing leadership, company grade officers, noncommissioned officers, Airmen and representatives who deal with SAPR issues regularly, such as SAPR coordinators, legal personnel and security forces members, said 2nd Lieutenant Katrina Smith, 52nd Fighter Wing acting SAPR officer.

"I think any of us would be naive to think there is any one fix on this issue; it is going to be a combination of things to keep us moving forward in combating sexual assault," said Master Sgt. Daniel Duckworth, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron first sergeant and participant in the focus group. "I was glad to give my input on such a major problem hurting our service. The reality is that down to airman basic, we own this issue of sexual assault--we should be able to help senior leadership figure out what we are going to do to counter this."

Along with the focus group, a blog has been created to stimulate open discussion allowing individuals to share innovative suggestions, ideas, or concerns with each other and senior leaders, explained Gen. Larry Spencer, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. The information gathered helps those in the Pentagon solidify the foundation in which to build upon and move forward.

"'We can't fix this issue sitting in the Pentagon," he said in the inaugural SAPR blog post. "'We need each and every one of you to get engaged in addressing this issue ... this crime, and it is a crime. We need to know exactly where you feel the issues are, so we can address them with laser focus. I need every one of you helping us find ways to ensure dignity and respect are prevailing qualities in our daily relationships."

New programs are already being developed based on these findings to include a Basic Military Training transition program, modifying expedited transfer policy and procedures and ways to enforce commander's accountability for unit culture.

"We are revamping education and training at all levels and will use the info we get from these focus groups, the blog and our next survey, launching in January 2014, to develop realistic training and education," said Lt. Col. Jill Whitesell, Headquarters Air Force SAPR public affairs advisor.

A SAPR Summit will take place Oct. 7-9 for all wing commanders, SARCs and command chiefs to discuss the findings and the way ahead for the Air Force.

Senior leadership is committed to eradicating the crime of sexual assault from the Air Force, Spencer said, but they can't do it alone.

"We need each and every one of you focused on this problem," he said. "Every Airman Counts means we treat each other with dignity and respect. Thank you again for helping us work this issue - we're looking for 'game changers' so keep those ideas coming."

For a different perspective of the SAPR Focus Group, visit the Spangdahlem Air Base blog at http://spangdahlem.dodlive.mil/.