CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Jan. 14, 2014) -- Rape Aggression Defense training was conducted Jan. 13 and 14 here, allowing participants to learn a vital -- possibly lifesaving -- skill, the training instructor said.
The training was targeted for all females assigned to U.S. Army Japan. More than 25 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and master labor contract employees participated.
"We just started this program in November," said Staff Sgt. Mandy Walskey, RAD instructor and victim advocate assigned to the 500th Military Intelligence Brigade at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. "Our unit ... is trying to get all our female Soldiers trained in this program. Our goal is to get these military females aware [and] trained in this and hopefully reduce the risk of attacks and sexual assaults within the Army."
The techniques she learned during the training were beneficial in enlightening her on the proper actions she should take in the event an attacker approaches her, one participant said.
"This is the type of training I feel like a lot of females should have as far as protecting themselves," said Sgt. Katherine Dotel, assigned to 441st MI Battalion here, "because you never know when such an incident may happen, so it is good to have at least some sort of the basic techniques to prevent yourself from being assaulted."
Chie Araki, an MLC assigned to G1 at USARJ, said the training made her realize she would previously not have been able to react in case of a physical attack. The training was useful for not only the self-defense techniques it provided, but also the risk-management advice she received, said Araki.
"The whole thing with RAD is defense against abduction," said Walskey. "Usually it has to be abduction first before [someone] gets attacked or gets sexually assaulted. If they can defend themselves, break away and escape as soon as they get put in the attack, they can avoid getting assaulted. That is our goal -- to help [trainees] avoid abduction in possible sexual assaults."
The trainees received a certificate of completion following the two-day training, and with it, hopefully also some helpful techniques and the confidence to implement them, Walskey said.
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