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Show Hilltop Times September 1, 2005 Video Continued from 1 duce two Airmen to each other. "In the civilian sector, 80 percent (of sexual assaults) are by non-strangers," Captain Cinq-Mars said. "This may be even higher in the Air Force because we are such a close community." The video also helps viewers understand the role of facilitators and bystanders — individuals who either consciously perpetuate an environment that enables non-stranger rapists to function by offering encouragement and failing to act, or by having knowledge and failing to intervene. The" goal is to teach Airmen how to intervene to protect each other. "The bystander can play an important role," Captain Cinq-Mars said. "When a wingman is in trouble, we need to have the courage to help them out. Our Air Force expects us to do the right thing at all times." Captain Cinq-Mars says that the video highlights the fact that alcohol is a contributor to sexual assaults. Although victims of sexual assault are never to blame, alcohol can make situations more risky. "The Air Force puts a lot of emphasis on not drinking and driving," she said. "On the same principle, you shouldn't let friends who have been drinking go home with someone you don't completely trust." Captain Cinq-Mars says the video may also open the eyes of potential perpetrators who may not think they are at fault for taking advantage of situations. "I think a lot of perpetrators don't realize that they are rapists," she said. "There are people who think that there's nothing wrong with taking advantage of someone who is drunk, but ignorance has never been an excuse for committing a criminal act." Following the 40 minute video, there will be a discussion period about the Air Force's implementation of the Department of Defense's restricted reporting policy, and the Air Force's new Sexual Assault Response Coordinator program. During this time attendees are encouraged to ask any questions they may have. The training video is part of a larger Air Force program to reduce sexual assault through education and awareness. The program includes initiatives that focus on strong leadership and clear and integrated policy. A major part of the program is the new sexual assault response coordinators, like Captain Cinq-Mars, who provide a.confidential place for victims to turn to for help. Through education and training, SARCs also work to prevent sexual assault. "We must ensure that every Airman understands that sexual assault is a crime and an egregious breech of our core values," said Lt. Gen. Roger A. Brady, deputy chief of staff of the Air Force for personnel. "Our respect for ourselves, each other and our Air Force, are principles in our core values, principles violated when Airmen take advantage of other Airmen." For more information about the Department of Defense sexual assault policy and resources for victims, visit http: //www.sapr.mil/. Captain Cinq-Mars can be reached by e-mail at Jennifer.CinqMars@hill.af.mil, at 7771964 or at her office in Bldg. 308. Targeting Sexual Assault Video Schedule In accordance with Headquarters Air Force, all ac.tive duty military members must view the "Targeting Sexual Assault" prevention video by Nov. 1. Civilians are welcome to attend, but not mandated at this time. The following video viewing dates and times for each wing are as follows: Sept. 6: 75 ABW 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. - . Sept. 20: 508 ASW 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Sept. 8: 75 ABW Sept. 21: 75 ABW Noon 1:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 4:30 p.m. IT a.m. • 12:30 p.m. Sept. 9: 75 ABW 8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Sept. 19: 388 FW 7 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. • ' • . ._ • Sept. 22:84 CSW . 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. ; 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Sept. 28: 526 ICBMSW 8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. ; 11 a.m. * 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Sept. 29: 309 MXW 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Supervisors should ensure their personnel attend one session of the training. There will be sign-in sheets at the door and those attending should arrive early in order to get signed in and seated prior to the start time. For more information, contact Capt. Jen Cinq-Mars, Team Hill Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, at 777-1964. Earn your Degree Online Terror Town Continued from 1 eerily similar to the terrain in Afghanistan and Iraq. Fourteen Airmen from the 775th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight returned from Playas in August after completing their final block of training before their deployment to Southwest Asia this month. Because the whole town is now in the hands of homeland-security experts, the Airmen were able to practice both small unit tactics and building clearing techniques, tools that are vital in forward locations. During the training they fired 40,000 rounds from M-9 handguns, M-4 and M-16 machine guns, their primary weapons when deployed. "The training was definitely different than other training we get because it was primarily shooting," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Schilhabel. "We didn't have to worry about civilian infringement, noise restrictions or range times at the training center." Being able to practice moving as a small unit was also a plus and will help his team if they have to navigate and clear small villages in the course of their work, he said. Like Sergeant Schilhabel, Master Sgt. Michael Pitts has deployed to Southwest Asia many times and said the training in Playas was very valuable to him as a supervisor leading Airmen on their first deployment. "We were able to put conversion kits on our weapons that allowed us to fire paint pellets," he said. "This added to the realism of the training. We were able to see where we shot the aggressors. I was able f You #kem the i >lf American Military University Criminal Justice Business. \ ITMgmt Military Studies^-^Homeland Security to see where my Airmen's strengths and weaknesses are. The training in Playas allowed me to see where we . need to continue to train before our deployment." Sergeant Pitts said that the instructors at the training center, many of whom are former members of the military's Delta Team and SEAL Team members, were able to share their combat experiences with the EOD troops in a way that they can use those experiences in Iraq. Besides small unit tactics, the town can be used to stage mock bombings, hostage takings, water-supply poisonings and anthrax and chemical-weapons attacks. Trainers can even explode a fake "dirty bomb" to see how "radiation" could spread over adobe-colored houses and the outlying plain. Built by Phelps Dodge Mining Co. in the 1970s to accommodate workers of its nearby copper smelter, Playas once had a population of about 1,000. But the smelter operation closed in 1999, forcing residents to leave in droves in search for other jobs and turning the community into a virtual ghost town with slightly more than 50 permanent residents. Nobody knows whether a buyer would have been found if the 9/11 terrorist attacks had not brought homeland security to the forefront of the national agenda and made training of first responders a priority, but the Airmen deploying from Hill are glad the center is there. "It's very expensive training," Sergeant Pitts said. 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