The safety stand down comes one week after an imposed curfew from United States Forces Japan commanding general amid sexual assault allegations on a Japanese women. In addition to the latest information regarding the curfew restrictions those in attendance were also given training on the Army's Sexual Harassment and Assault Program or SHARP and Army Core Values.
Command Sgt. Maj., 10th Regional Support Group, Shelton Williamson, opened the training with the United States Army Japan commanding general's guidance on the importance of being good ambassadors and informed Soldiers that although the suspects were not Army Soldiers every uniformed service member and civilian represent the United States.
"The purpose of the training is to reinforce our standards and to also reinforce Army core values and their importance, we are a values based organization and that's important to what it means to be a Soldier and member of a team stationed in Japan."
Williamson also explained to the audience that senior leadership on island will meet within the next week to discuss and review current liberty policies on Okinawa in particular to address any modifications.
The overall objective of this mandatory training is to ensure that Soldiers and civilians understand the importance of professionalism and core military values.
"Recently, it has been dramatically reaffirmed that our transgressions, as well as our good deeds, are what our hosts and the rest of the world use to judge us. Occasionally the misconduct of a few individuals, a very small percentage of our overall work force, has a tremendous ripple effect on all members of the U.S. Military Services on Okinawa. Therefore, we must remain vigilant at all times to prevent any allegations of alleged or perceived inappropriate behavior. We should pause and reflect on our profession as service members and role models as well as our commitment to helping those whose spouses may be deployed defending our liberties and freedoms, wrote Col Sheila Bryant, Commander, 10th Regional Support Group via email.
Lt. Col Kenneth Leeds, Commander, 505th Quartermaster Battalion explained to the participants regarding the value of this training reminding all about treating our Japanese hosts with respect and to follow the military and Japanese laws and regulations.
"In light of recent events and being guests of Japan, we conducted a stand down to reflect on who we are, what we do and what we stand for. The Army Values are our baseline, our foundation and our core. We are expected to represent our nation honorably."
Duty
Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities -- all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take "shortcuts" that might undermine the integrity of the final product.
Respect
Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier's Code, we pledge to "treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same." Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.
Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.
Honor
Live up to Army values. The nation's highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living -- Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.
Integrity
Do what's right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.
Personal Courage
Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.
For more on Army Values log on to: http://www.army.mil/values/
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