What is your definition of a destructive decision? Is it drinking and driving? Is it an alcohol-related incident? How about domestic abuse? U.S. Fleet Forces Command recently visited with Naval Air Station Jacksonville Sailors to get them thinking about just those things.

The event was hosted by Capt. Charles Marks, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) officer. Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Mary Jackson's opening
remarks emphasized the importance of understanding destructive behaviors and how leadership should own them.

"When we start to peel back the layers of what a destructive decision is, lots of different things come to mind -- including suicide, suicidal behavior, and alcohol," Jackson said. "Even small things, such as the fast-paced and global way we communicate can be contributing factors to destructive behavior. We have come to the point where we realize that there are linkages between all of these destructive behaviors. As Sailors, we have to figure out how we are going to get in front of this."

Navy statistics show an estimated 15 percent of Sailors wrestle with some form of destructive behavior -- suicide or suicidal ideations, alcohol incidents, domestic violence, sexual assault, or prescription drug abuse. The Navy is working to help Sailors avoid destructive conduct by giving them and their leaders the tools needed to treat themselves and others with respect.

The goal of the workshop was to teach Navy leaders prevention and awareness. According to Marks, the leadership teams of the Chiefs Mess and wardroom should engage in a deckplate effort to reduce the number of destructive behaviors.

"Culture change is not easy," said Marks to gathered Sailors and leaders. "It requires all-hands participation, starting with each of you."

The workshop contained content tailored to deckplate supervisors, command triads, and program managers, including command climate specialists, equal opportunity officers, drug and alcohol program advisors, sexual assault prevention and response points of contact, unit victim advocates, family advocacy program coordinators, urinalysis program coordinators, and suicide prevention coordinators.

Yeoman 2nd Class Reaunta Evans, a deckplate supervisor training attendee, said what she took away was a renewed sense of what could be considered destructive.

"You don't always think about the Internet being destructive," said Evans. "But if you stay up late browsing and come to work late repeatedly, that is definitely not a good behavior, and needs to be addressed."

Janine Latus, author of "If I am Missing or Dead: A Sister's Story of Love, Murder and Liberation," was the keynote speaker who spoke about the physical abuse she endured, and the loss she felt when her sister was murdered by an abusive boyfriend. She explained the warning signs of an abuser. For example, isolation -- either emotional or economic -- as well as sexual abuse can be part of an abuser's pattern. An abuser may also use children, make threats, intimidate or may use male privilege to break down a significant other.

During the second day of the workshop, motivational speaker and son of legendary boxer "Sugar" Ray Leonard, Ray Leonard Jr., spoke about his family and the destructive decisions that shaped his life. He explained how his father once beat his mom and how he felt guilty by not being able to step in to help her. He also spoke about his mother's suicide attempt, and how he is now learning to use these stories to help others.

"It's about being strong," said Leonard. "And coming from a boxing family, I don't mean just physically. You have to be strong emotionally, and stand up. Become a beacon for someone else."

By changing approaches on interpersonal relationships and empowering Sailors with knowledge of their rights and boundaries, U.S. Fleet Forces Command is committed to positively changing these behaviors.

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