Changing the Direction of Sexual Assault in the Military

Changing the Direction of Sexual Assault in the Military

Clindon Phillips | 2023

Abstract

Sexual assault is one of the most damaging harmful behaviors plaguing the military. Sexual assault in the military is a byproduct of the continual decrease in human values and respect in American culture. The Army cannot solve the problem of sexual assault through response programs alone. It must also implement a focused education program to teach its junior leaders how to cultivate a counterculture based on respect which prevents assaults from occurring. Leaders should focus on creating a culture founded on respect that leads to relationship equality. Until we teach leaders how to develop organizational culture that constrains people with the predisposition to commit rape or remove the opportunity, America will continue to struggle with sexual assault.

This workshop addresses sexual assault in the military by educating junior leaders to cultivate a culture that prevents harmful behaviors. These junior leaders might only have a few years of service and are the same age as their subordinates. They are still trying to master the skills required of soldiers while also leading their team of four junior soldiers. These junior leaders cannot mentor their subordinates because they are still trying to figure things out themselves. Additionally, all the soldiers in this team, including the leader, are members of the at-risk population of 17-24-year-olds.

Instead of doing consequence management, this workshop focuses on teaching leaders to understand the problem and develop a solution that addresses the root cause of harmful behaviors. It is an excellent start to closing the gap between the requirement for junior leaders to cultivate culture and their ability to do it.

Keywords: respect, culture, leadership, prevention