SCHOFIELD BARRACKS -- Female Soldiers in the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, are more prepared to deal with possible sexual assault attempts thanks to Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) training implemented in the brigade during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, here, April 10.
R.A.D. Systems is a program designed specifically to help females deal with potential attackers or compromising situations by incorporating their physical build and mentality into the training.
"The R.A.D. System was something that was implemented when I was an instructor at the (Modern Army) Combatives Academy at Fort Lewis, Wash.," said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lugo, a platoon sergeant with the 225th Bde. Support Battalion and certified R.A.D. instructor.
"We helped to stand up the academy and sought out ways to help with sexual assault issues," Lugo continued. "We reached out to R.A.D., and they sent out a team of instructors to certify everyone as R.A.D. instructors."
The course, here, covered both situational awareness as a preventative measure and physical defense methods to combat unavoidable situations.
"The situational awareness they are taught in the first three hours is the most important -- how to recognize a dangerous situation and avoid it," said Lugo. "Preventing an issue is better than having to fight."
"It's important because we work primarily with males, and you have to stay on your guard around people you don't know," added Sgt. Monik Phan, a chemical specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd SBCT. "I feel confident in my ability to say no now."
After the classroom portion, participants move on to the six-hour physical training portion.
In the last three hours, situational exercises are introduced with a male attacker to make the training realistic.
"The last three hours are optional," said Lugo. "It is optional because some people are not comfortable in that situation, because of past experiences."
"I really like the course," said Spc. Joy White, a radio operator with the 556th Signal Company, 2nd Bn., 11th Field Artillery Regt., 2nd SBCT. "I feel like every female should be required to take it, especially since there aren't a lot of females in the military."
According to Lugo, most sexual assaults happen quickly, leaving the victim "paralyzed by fear," with little time to react.
"This class helps them to realize that it's OK to fight," Lugo said. "We teach them that it is OK to fight back and be dependent on themselves."
"I never knew how to fight," said Phan. "In the beginning, we were shouting 'no' during each move, and it seemed a little crazy. But now, we scream it, and it makes a real difference. It's empowering."
"The most important thing I've gotten out of this course is to not be afraid to hurt someone if they're attacking me," added White. "I used to be afraid of hurting someone, but not anymore."
While the R.A.D. course helps females prepare for such scenarios, the training can only do so much; the tools and confidence participants gain are most important.
"You can't certify someone to prevent rape," Lugo said. "We give them options that are viable when you are attacked: escape, fight or something else."
"The most important thing I've gained is confidence," said Phan. "When I go out with my friends, I know I can take care of myself and show my friends how to do the same."
"It has been a lot of fun," said White. "But now, I feel safer and more confidant going out as a female."
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