Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Army Essay Example

This assignment will entail why cases of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment still continue to take place in the Army, despite all training and education that takes place. Although the Army has training and education relating to Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault, research shows that many cases happen from alcohol being used to incapacitate victims. Many cases involve the assailant trying to feel a sense of control and power, resulting in many cases happening between lower enlisted and higher ranks, and those of the same rank.

Sexual Harassment is defined as “behavior characterized by the making of unwelcome and inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances in a workplace or other professional or social situation” (Merriam Webster, 2022). This can include comments of a sexual nature, requests for sexual favors, unwelcome advances, and/or comments about someone’s gender, overall creating a hostile work environment. Sexual Assault is defined as “illegal sexual contact that usually involves force upon a person without consent or is inflicted upon a person who is incapable of giving consent” (Merriam Webster, 2022). This is critical when pertaining to the military, as this can jeopardize combat readiness and mission accomplishment, weakens the trust within the ranks, and erodes unit cohesion. 

Sexual assault occurs more frequently within the Army, as Army culture encourages higher rates of alcohol consumption than the standard career field. With higher rates of alcohol consumption, victims’ are less likely to have the ability to defend themselves, or have the capability of saying no. The victim cannot give consent when they are under the impairment of alcohol, even with only one drink consumed, and doesn’t allow the victim to give proper consent. There are several posters throughout the Wisconsin National Guard that state “Ask Her When She’s Sober”, as alcohol is a large issue when pertaining to the Army and sexual assaults.

I believe that our current approach to training doesn’t reduce the risk of sexual assault and harassment. It allows us to become more informed and understand the warning signs, prior to them becoming an issue, but doesn’t reduce the risks of these assaults. Alcohol consumption will never slow throughout the Army or the Armed Forces in general, but implementing these trainings and education can allow members to become more aware of these situations and allow members to actively become aware when placed in these situations, overall resulting in the prevention of sexual assault and harassment. Having posters and annual training can prevent these situations and allow knowledge on how to stop or intervene when a situation is presented.

My recommendation for ending sexual violence throughout the military would be to remove sexual assault allegations from a military structure, and have all reports investigated by an outside agency. This can result in a higher rate of reporting, as victims don’t feel threatened or insecure when reporting, especially if the perpetrator was within those ranks. Ensuring that officers and senior enlisted do not consume or be in the presence of the junior enlisted when alcohol is consumed can also reduce the rates, as having the presence of higher enlisted and officers can cause a lack of coercion and fear factor when reporting. This can ensure that the career of both people are protected and that each person has taken preventative measures relating to sexual assault or harassment. 

In conclusion, cases of sexual harassment and sexual assault still continue to take place in the Army despite all the training and education that takes place. A main reasoning behind this is the cultural norm for military members to consume large amounts of alcohol. I believe that our current training and education does not properly eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault, but more education can continue to reduce rates overall.

References

1. DoDI 1020.03, "Harassment Prevention and Response in the Armed Forces," February 8, 2018, Incorporating Change 1 December 29, 2020 (whs.mil)
2. DoD Directive 6495.01, "Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program," January 23, 2012; Incorporating Change 5 on November 10, 2021 (whs.mil)
3. Why the Military Has a Sexual Assault Problem | FRONTLINE | PBS | Official Site