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Show HILLTOP TIMES Hilltop 3 TIMES May 10, 2012 VERA/VSIP window to close Chiefs issue strategic direction T to combat sexual assault BY JIM GARAMONE American Forces Press Service W ASHINGTON — Despite years of concerted effort, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commandant of the Coast Guard are dissatisfied with progress made in reducing sexual assault in the military, and have released strategic direction to increase the emphasis on combatting the crime. The chiefs released a "32-star" letter to commanders and leaders, titled "Strategic Direction to the Joint Force on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response." In the past two years, service members have reported 6,350 cases of sexual assault. In what is mandatory reading for all commanders and leaders, the letter says the mission is to reduce and ultimately eliminate incidences of sexual assault, and establish an environment of mutual respect and trust, and a work place where the act is not tolerated. Sexual assault is a crime that erodes the bonds of trust essential for military units to succeed and puts all members of the military team at risk. The chiefs stressed that prevention and response must be emphasized in all aspects of planning, training and mission execution — requiring actual leadership, not just a "checking-the-box" mentality. The chiefs have been working diligently for months on the strategic direction, officials said. "Sexual assaults endanger our own, violate our professional cul- strategic direction calls on commanders to close these gaps, "by exercising the full measure of their authorities, options and resources." The direction looks to "imbue a culture and cultivate a climate and environment that is resilient to the risks and vulnerabilities associated with sexual assault," the document says. Service members need to understand that sexual assault is a crime under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Four distinct offenses — rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual contact and abusive sexual contact — are contained in Article 120. These and two other offenses — forcible sodomy and attempts to commit these offenses — are sexual assault crimes within DOD's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program. Commanders need to work with military lawyers to understand the legal ramifications of these crimes, the chiefs wrote, and need to communicate them to members of their units. The letter emphasizes that prevention always is better than prosecution. "Commanders must train service members to ensure they understand, for example, that consumption of alcohol can impair the judgment of both parties and the consequences of an alcoholrelated sex crime can have a significant and long-lasting impact on the victim, offender, unit cohesion and ultimately the readiness of the joint force," the chiefs wrote. ture and core values, erode readiness and team cohesion and violate the sacred trust and faith of those who serve and whom we serve," the document's introduction says. "As military professionals we must fully understand the destructive nature of these acts, lead our focused efforts to prevent them, and promote positive command climates and environments that reinforce mutual respect, trust and confidence," the letter reads. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld, the vice chairman; Gen. Ray Odierno, Army chief of staff; Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, chief of naval operations; Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff; Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau and Adm. Robert Papp Jr., commandant of the Coast Guard, signed the letter. Officials said they wrote the guidance to synchronize efforts to combat sexual assault. "Commanders and leaders must personally read, understand and implement this strategy, the chiefs wrote. "We are fully committed to supporting your efforts to put this strategic direction into action and operationalize (sexual assault prevention and response) within your commands across the joint force." Evidence clearly shows gaps remain between the precepts of the Defense Department Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program and full implementation at all levels of command. The See LETTER I WEST GATE VISITOR CENTER he application window for the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority/Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay (VERA/VSIP) closes May 15. Interested employees must apply before the window closes to be considered. Applications will only be accepted through Hill AFB's VERA/ VSIP Interactive Program Website (https://wb. Check this hill03.hill.afmc.ds.af.mil/vera_vsip/) website for more information. VERA/VSIP related questions can be sent to OOALC.DP.VERAVSIP@hill.af.mil . • Hill AFB Job Openings Site Internal civilian announcements are posted on the Air Force Personnel Center Web site. Announcements for bargaining unit positions are posted on Fridays. All other announcements may be posted any day of the week. The Civilian Announcement Notification System is a subscription e-mail service available to ,L2 assist employees in their job search. Self-nominations for posted announcements can be made on-line at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/resweb, or via the interactive voice response system at 1-800-997-2378 and TDD 1-800-382-0893. • For into on NSPS visit http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps. 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Once road demolition and other construction is complete, the parking area will increase in size. The old West Gate Visitor Center building will not be torn down but will become a Welcome Center for the Falcon Park Enhanced Use Lease area to meet with prospective clients. I 141 az., |