Break the Chain, 3rd Wing Discusses Sexual Assault

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Air Force Col. Dirk Smith, 3rd Wing commander, briefs 3rd Wing service members during the 3rd Wing Commander's Briefing about sexual assault Dec. 6. The commander's brief is done to maintain high morale in the workplace to ensure that the Air Force mission is carried out without failure. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Ty-Rico Lea)

Break the Chain, 3rd Wing Discusses Sexual Assault

Published Dec. 11, 2012
By 1st Lt. Matthew Chism
JBER Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The 3rd Wing came together on Dec. 6 to discuss the destructive impact that sexual assault can have and how as a team, Airmen can prevent it from happening.

"We can beat this, but to do that we've got to break the chain," was the message when Col. Dirk Smith, 3rd Wing Commander, spoke with Airmen about sexual assault.

"When an assault occurs, the victim is the person who is hurt initially," Smith said, "pain and suffering is later felt by the families, people around the victim, and our entire team."

Col. Smith provided Airmen with tips on how to prevent and deal with sexual assaults:

Watch for high risk behaviors such as drug/alcohol abuse and unprofessional relationships.

Speak up when you see something that may be wrong.

Report what you know in order to get help for a potential victim.

In 2011 there were more than 600 reports of sexual assault in the Air Force, a number that is projected to be even higher in 2012. Col. Smith reiterated that solving this issue in the Air Force requires a commitment by everyone.

"Prevention is the key to solving this issue and personal accountability is what drives that. Each of us is responsible for promoting trust, dignity, and professionalism within our units," Smith said.

The 3rd Wing and units across the Air Force will be having health and wellness inspections to reinforce these expectations and to ensure that there is a professional working environment.

"When Airmen work in a setting that is consistent with our core values of integrity, service and excellence, they perform with honor and distinction - they deserve nothing less," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. "Anything short detracts from that pride and cripples mission effectiveness."

To report any information regarding sexual assault, contact the SARC at 551-7272.