Everyone plays and important role in prevention at every level within our units, organizations and communities.
Be a change agent by living the Army Values, intervening early and often, and embodying the military and Civilian Creeds.
Topic: High-risk Behavior
Module: 1 – Prevention
Situation: Inappropriate discussions among Soldiers
Specialist (SPC) Jones is passing through his platoon area when he overhears a conversation between SPC Williams and SPC Duffy. They are discussing a woman that they are both conversing with through an online dating site. SPC Duffy states that “Brandy” is looking for a man in uniform and that she is open to having sex with two Soldiers at once. SPC Jones asks if they are sure that she is who she claims to be, and wonders if this could be a set-up. SPC Williams states that she sent them a picture of herself in her bra and panties and that she is hot. They plan to meet Brandy at a local motel on Friday night for sex. SPC Williams shares his concerns regarding Brandy’s statement that she uses oral birth control, as she is allergic to latex, and she requests that her husband 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 can address his peers about the inappropriateness of discussing this in the workplace. He can also address the risks of unprotected sex, the violation of the UCMJ by having sexual relations with a married person, and also express concern about consequences of the husband filming the incident. Having the husband watch and video tape them having sex could be a violation of Article 134.
Topic: Prevention
Module:1 - Prevention
Situation:Toxic Command Climate
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 female Soldiers will be assigned to the BN. 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. Girls asking to play right alongside the men might not be my type if you know what I mean.” 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 toxic unit climate issue at the lowest level. The behavior is wrong whether or not women are assigned to the unit, 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 joins you to the group text so the squad leader can pass on important information to the squad quickly. Over the weekend, several Soldiers on the group text start adding funny memes from the web site Army WTF that everyone enjoys. You can tell this is a tight group and you show your spouse your phone and tell her you are glad to be assigned to this squad. Then, one male Soldier sends a “dumb blonde” meme and another female Soldier replies with a meme about “hogging” – having sex with overweight women – 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 way the texts are going and send the squad leader a separate text saying that seems like an inappropriate joke that you would not want your spouse to see. 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.
