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Wing commander addresses sexual assault during SAPR stand down training

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  As long as sexual assault exists there will be prevention and response.

Col. John Klein, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, held three commander's calls where he spoke at length of sexual assault and sexual assault offenders as part of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training at the Rock Theater May 8.

"Characteristics of sexual assault offenders include male heterosexuals who show hostility towards the opposite sex, use powerful rationalizations to excuse their behavior as non-criminal or have peers who view forced sex as acceptable," said Klein. "Other indicators show offenders have lower levels of empathy, hold traditional gender role stereotypes and may have been abused as a child."

Klein likened sexual assault to cancer; one that rots away at the ranks.

"We need to have a healthy, safe and professional work environment for the most powerful fighting force on the planet," said Klein. "We're good and we have to stay that way. This is a domestic enemy and we have sworn an oath to defend against foreign and domestic threats."

It takes extreme courage for victims of sexual assault to come forward, he said.

The commander stressed how important it is for victims of sexual assault to have the strength to open up about what happened to them.

"If you are a victim of a sexual assault, I urge you to report it," said Klein. "Reporting it is right for your physical, mental and spiritual health. Reporting also prevents offenders from continuing with heinous behavior and stops them from doing it to someone else."

Unrestricted reporting is a highly intrusive process, but Klein insisted that it is the only way to shine a light on the problem.

"I believe that when victims have the courage to step forward, it will change the culture of the Air Force," he said. "It is critical that commanders, supervisors and first responders provide the utmost support to victims."

He also advised Airmen who are aware of a sexual assault to support victims by taking them to a sexual assault response coordinator or to a victim advocate.

As a leader, Klein's goal is to deter the perpetrator and provide support to the victim.

"Everyone has a role in stopping sexual assault," said Klein. "Airmen need to know what constitutes consent, what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior, the definition of sexual assault, and predatory grooming behaviors. Leaders and supervisors must communicate clear standards of behavior and consistently hold Airmen accountable when they fail to meet standards."

He also insisted that leaders and supervisors examine their own biases concerning victim blaming.

Military justice agencies must conduct timely and thorough investigations and utilize interview techniques that are designed to empower victims and improve information collection, he added.

"We're not seeing it, that's why we don't think it's a problem," said Gen. Mark Welsh III chief of staff of the Air Force during a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Summit Dec. 11 and 12 in Washington, District of Columbia.

The days following the commander's call, there will be multiple small group sessions of no more than 20 individuals scheduled throughout all the squadrons to open the lines of communication about sexual assault and prevention.

Tech. Sgt. Sarah Gann, 386th AEW protocol officer, facilitated two sessions for wing agencies since the commander's call.

"The purpose of the sessions is to focus on the predatory behavior of offenders," said Gann. "The sessions are scenario-based and allow for discussions."

Her sessions shed light on how sexual harassment opens the door to sexual assault, she said.

"Sexual harassment can sometimes be viewed as innocent behavior," explained Gann. "However it allows a predator to test the waters."

"All Airmen must be willing to intervene and confront any inappropriate behavior," said Klein. "There are many military members who may not understand that sexual assault exists. There are people in this room who are victims of sexual assault and I need you to believe that and I need you to believe that sexual assault is happening."

Klein challenges every Airman to understand the issue and to talk openly and honestly about sexual assault.

The entire commander's call briefing on SAPR stand down can be seen at the following link if you are assigned to the 386th AEW at https://portal.asab.afcent.af.mil/afcent/wings/386/spstf/SARC/Wiki%20Pages/SARC.aspx.

For more information about the Air Force SAPR program, go http://www.sexualassaultpreventionresponse.af.mil/index.asp.