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AMC assessment teams gather sexual assault data

  • Published
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Gen. John W. Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, has directed assessment teams to visit all 12 AMC installations March 10 through 19 to review each base's sexual assault response programs. AMC has formed three teams, and each will review programs at four bases.

These visits support the Air Force Secretary Dr. James G. Roche and Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper in their direction for each major command to assess the current status of programs.

"Within Air Mobility Command, we must insist that our organization is one where all people's rights are respected, embracing the fact that diversity is truly our greatest strength," General Handy said. "Commanders must be deeply and personally involved in solving diversity issues, specifically, we must commit ourselves to eliminating sexual assault and the climate that fosters it. Additionally, we must promote an environment where our people not only feel free to report assaults, but also know with confidence that perpetrators will be appropriately disciplined."

While the teams will not review individual cases or allegations, they are spending about one and a half days at each location reviewing all policies and programs. The team will provide Air Force leadership with an open assessment of sexual assault issues, best practices, problems and challenges.

AMC's Inspector General is the overall lead for the command-level assessment teams.

"This functional management review will help us identify themes we can use to further prevent sexual assaults. We are also looking at resources for sexual assault victims, including counseling, medical care and other services. The results of our assessment will be reported to Air Force leadership," said General Zamzow.

"Sexual assault is a crime that has no place anywhere - especially in our Air Force - and will not be tolerated, said the Inspector General. "Every accusation must be fully investigated, and, when appropriate, disciplinary action will be pursued. We must and will ensure that victims receive proper care and support for as long as it's needed."

The Air Force major command assessment teams will report their findings by April 9. The Air Force will then compile a plan that will be presented to the four-star generals at the Corona conference in May.