Winning the Fight on Sexual Assault in our Army Starting in Basic Combat Training

摘要

As the entry point of every newly enlisted soldier, BCT is the ideal starting point to dramatically reduce sexual assault and harassment throughout our Army. Winning this campaign requires a multifaceted approach to address the underlying causes that allow for such misconduct to occur in our ranks. Solutions can only come through engaged leaders at all levels who establish the necessary conditions of a professional force committed to the highest standards and our Army values. Sexual assault and harassment are a cancer to the good order and discipline of any unit, not to mention the strategic implications those crimes have on the credibility and pride of our force. Fortunately we have made great strides toward reducing this problem through concerted efforts across the Army. As a former commander, I look forward to the day when such incidents are extremely rare or no longer exist in our units. However, until then, we must continue step-by-step to shape the environment and culture of our Army to develop soldiers and future leaders who will stand ready not only to win our nations wars, but to treat their fellow soldiers with dignity and respect.