Odierno discusses sexual assault prevention, Army values
April 4, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs
HEIDELBERG, Germany (April 4, 2012) -- April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During a tour of the European theater, the Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno sat down for a podcast with U.S. Army Europe April 3, and discussed the Army values and sexual assault and harassment prevention.
Odierno said that sexual assault and sexual harassment, "are inconsistent with our values. It's not consistent with the trust we expect to have between Soldiers. As part of the Army profession, it really is about our values, our moral and ethical values. It is also about what I consider to be the basic component and fundamental foundation of the profession, which is trust."
Through the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program, the Army can reinforce its commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment through awareness and prevention, training, victim advocacy, reporting and accountability.
USAREUR remains committed in this effort to eliminate incidents of sexual assaults and educate Soldiers, civilians and family members through intervention, prevention and reporting procedures.
"It is important during this month that we reflect on this and we try to do everything we can to ensure that all Soldiers, male or female, feel comfortable serving," Odierno said.
Sexual assault and harassment are incomprehensible and inconsistent with Army values, Odierno said, and ending this misconduct is a responsibility that belongs to everyone.