The Source for Navy News
Security Forces Trainers Hold SAPR Standdown
Story Number: NNS130621-04
6/21/2013
By Darryl Orrell, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Top leaders at the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) engaged with military and civilian staff June 17 to reinforce the necessity of all hands to work together to eliminate sexual misconduct from the Navy's ranks.
The training comes in response to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's directive for all military services to conduct a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) standdown prior to July 1.
According to the 2012 Department of Defense (DoD) Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, the military services received 3,374 reports of sexual assault in FY-12. The reported incidents involved service members as either being the victim or the accused.
The command triad, CENSECFOR Commanding Officer Capt. Raymond J. Benedict; Executive Director Larry A. McFarland; and Command Master Chief Steve Schaffer, facilitated the session.
"Regardless of the number of reports involving sexual misconduct, any number greater than zero is a problem and it's a problem we, the Navy, own and one that we must fix once and for all," said Benedict. "The command triad's focus was to convey the clear understanding that everyone is responsible and accountable for fostering a climate that is committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all. Our goal is to foster a climate where sexist behaviors and acts of sexual aggression are neither tolerated, nor ignored."
"This stand-down differs from typical SAPR training. Different in that top leaders are directly engaging with service personnel in open and frank discussions about sexual assault. Moreover, it reemphasized the necessity for climate change and the importance of bystander intervention," said McFarland.
McFarland expressed to the group that negative changes to a command's working climate begin small. "It starts with items such as inappropriate suggestive photos, provocative or demoralizing jokes, etc., all of which begins to shift the command climate in the wrong direction creating a nuance that such behaviors are the norm and acceptable."
"Naturally, without a quick and decisive course correction, such a climate becomes a breeding ground for acts of sexual assault. That is the purpose of this SAPR standdown - to serve as an immediate and decisive course correction Navy-wide," added Benedict.
As the command triad engaged and posed questions regarding climate change, personnel expressed their concerns that not only conveyed the positive effects from the standdown, but the negative effects that might also occur as a result. For example, one Sailor asked if they were going to create a climate where Sailors and Marines would be fearful to bond as shipmates - to comfort and encourage one another. The group agreed that actions are needed to prevent sexual assault, while at the same time unit cohesion and camaraderie must also be preserved.
"The idea is to inject a fleet-wide mindset to treat everyone equally and with respect so that any Sailor, regardless of his or her rank, will intervene when they observe something wrong," said Schaffer in response to the group's shared concerns.
Among other questions posed, both male and female Sailors and Marines were asked what they do each day to reduce their risk of sexual assault. In a setting where the male to female ratio is about 42 to 5, the women responded with several ideas, including being mindful of your surroundings, dressing appropriately, and using the buddy system.
"If this reflects the mindset fleet-wide, think of what that does to our fleet's readiness. Sailors who have to be preoccupied with preventive measures to avoid unwanted sexual misconduct rather than being able to focus on his or her job and career - it's completely unacceptable," said Benedict.
In closing, Benedict shared his four pillars of command philosophy supported by a foundation built on fair and equal treatment and respect for all under his command.
"My philosophy is quite simple. I have a zero tolerance policy for sexual assault or harassment of any kind and any form of conduct that brings discredit to our military and harm to our brothers and sisters," he concluded.
The training fully reinforced the understanding that sexual assault is a crime that truly hurts one and affects all and has no place in the United States military.
Get more information and resources to combat sexual assault at http://www.sapr.navy.mil. Sexual assault affects Navy readiness, and the Navy is committed to preventing sexual assault. Join the Navy's conversation about sexual assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR.
The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year and has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world.
Get more information and resources to combat sexual assault at www.sapr.navy.mil. Sexual assault affects Navy readiness, and the Navy is committed to preventing sexual assault. Join the Navy's conversation about sexual assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR.
For more news from and information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf, www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf, or www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ