US Army statement on DoD report on sexual harassment and violence at the military service academies

By U.S. ArmyFebruary 25, 2019

usa image
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence at military service academies, covering 2017 and early 2018, is troubling and disappointing.

There is no room in the U.S. Army for sexual harassment or sexual assault. This is a readiness issue that affects our ability to prepare to fight and win our Nation's wars as much as it is an issue of values. As such, we have directed the West Point leadership to report back with an updated action plan in the coming weeks.

This is not just about the Army staff and faculty at West Point, we also expect more from the cadets, who are our Army's future leaders. They must internalize and live the Army Values. They need to set the example every day for the Soldiers they will lead tomorrow.

Leaders, Soldiers, and Cadets who fail to intervene and stop sexual assault or sexual harassment violate the Nation's trust and the trust of their peers.

- Secretary of the Army, Dr. Mark T. Esper and Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Mark A. Milley