Everyone plays and important role in prevention at every level within our units, organizations and communities.
Live the Army Values by taking action to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault, support victims and upholding a standard of excellence where these behaviors are never tolerated.
Topic: High-risk Behavior
Module: 1 – Prevention
Situation: Inappropriate discussions among Soldiers
A Soldier, Specialist (SPC) Jones, is passing through their platoon area when they overhear a conversation between SPC Williams and SPC Duffy. They are discussing a person they are both conversing with through an online dating site. SPC Duffy states that this person is looking for a Soldier and that they are open to having sex with two Soldiers at once. SPC Jones asks if they are sure that this person is who they claim to be, and wonders if this could be a set-up. SPC Williams states that the person sent them a revealing picture and that they are hot. They plan to meet this person at a local motel on Friday night for sex. SPC Williams shares their concerns regarding this person's statement about birth control preferences, as they are allergic to latex, and they request that their partner watch and video tape them having sex.
Solution:This vignette explores the types of high-risk behavior and inappropriate workplace discussions that can take place. SPC Jones could address their peers about the inappropriateness of discussing this in the workplace. They can also address the risks of unprotected sex, the potential violation of the UCMJ related to sexual relations with a married person, and also express concern about consequences of the partner filming the incident. Having the partner watch and video tape the encounter could be a violation of Article 134 or could be used to embarrass or extort the Soldiers.
Topic: Prevention
Module:1 - Prevention
Situation:Toxic Command Climate/Hostile Environment
Staff Sergeant (SSG) Alfred and SSG Jones are squad leaders and are informed by Sergeant First Class (SFC) Woods, the platoon sergeant, that four new junior enlisted Soldiers will be assigned to the company. SSG Alfred says “Hey, $50 says that I will be tapping some of that ass within the first month” and SSG Jones replies, “Not taking that bet until I see what they look like. SSG Jones replies with a similarly inappropriate and dismissive remark about the new Soldiers' potential and attractiveness. SFC Woods immediately makes an ‘on-the-spot’ correction and reminds both SSG Alfred and SSG Jones that the discussion is unacceptable and does not represent the Army Values or the NCO Creed.
Solution: This vignette demonstrates an example of a proper response on bystander intervention. SFC Woods addresses the behaviors of SSG Alfred and SSG Jones. By using the direct approach, SFC Woods addresses a counter productive unit climate issue at the lowest level. The behavior is wrong and ultimately will always be unacceptable in the Army.
Topic: Toxic Atmosphere/Inappropriate Jokes or Comments
Module: 1 – Prevention and 3 – Sexual Harassment
Situation: Squad Group Text
You are new to the unit and your squad leader adds you to the group text to quickly share important information with the squad. Over the weekend, several squad members start sharing funny memes that everyone enjoys. You can tell this is a close-knit group and you show your spouse your phone, expressing your happiness about being assigned to this squad. Then, one squad member sends an offensive meme and another replies with a meme about “chubby chaser” - having sex with overweight or obese people – with the tag line “it’s like riding a moped – it’s cool and fun as long as your friends don’t see you.” The squad leader immediately “laughs” at the text. You are very uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation and send the squad leader a separate text expressing your concern, mentioning that the joke is inappropriate and you wouldn't want your spouse to see it. The squad leader replies “fine – I can drop you from the group and just text you individually when I have information to pass on.”
Solution: This vignette demonstrates a toxic atmosphere where inappropriate jokes and comments are not just tolerated, but encouraged. The squad leader sets the tone for the climate of the squad and all of the Soldiers should have spoken up or gone to their chain of command for guidance.
Topic: Prevention, Bystander Intervention
Module: – 1, 2 Prevention, Bystander Intervention
Situation: Happy Hour
It is happy hour at a local bar. You are part of a group from the office that decides to go to the bar. You notice one of the groups is chatting up a stranger and slamming drinks quickly. You are a little concerned, but you know they were hoping to “hook up”. A bit later, you notice Kit and the stranger heading toward the exit of the club. Kit has had so many drinks that they can no longer walk on their own.
You think to yourself, “If they can’t walk that’s not good, but Kit did plan to ‘hook up’, so…”
Solution:Leaving with a stranger puts Kit at risk. Kit has obviously had too many drinks to make a rational decision. Even though the plan was to hook up, you should intervene before allowing them to leave. Every situation is different and how you could handle this particular situation could vary greatly. Using the 3 D’s approach could be an effective intervention strategy. Options could include getting the bartender/bouncers involved, distracting the stranger, or simply being direct and telling the stranger to back off.
What would you do if Kit was going to drive? You’d do whatever it took to get their keys. The same applies here. You have the opportunity to prevent potential catastrophic harm to someone. Whatever you can do to protect Kit, you need to do it.
