Hanscom schedules SecDef ordered stand-down

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  To eliminate the culture of tolerance and to foster a climate of dignity and respect when it comes to sexual assault in the military, the Secretary of Defense has ordered a stand-down day to be completed by Jul 1.

Hanscom has provided specific guidance and each unit is required to select a four hour time slot between June 24 and 27 to conduct their Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Stand-Down.

"The stand-down will reinforce our goal of eliminating sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexist conduct and tolerance of these behaviors within our Air Force family. Please use this time to raise awareness on the broad range of effects caused by sexual assault and to form an environment where victims are not afraid to come forward," Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore II, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center commander, wrote in an email last week.

Each unit will have a team leader and they will serve as the point of contact for coordinating and conducting their unit's events with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

"The team lead will extend the reach of the SARC and Victim Advocates by leading the discussion groups within their units and facilitating the exercises provided by the SARC," said Andrea Mckie, Hanscom's Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

Similar to Wingman Day events, the commander or director will begin with a commander's call. Video messages will be provided by the SARC that must be included during the beginning of the stand-down.

"When we talk about respect for each other, we are talking about sexual assault prevention, and when we point to wrong behaviors, we then give room for right behaviors to exist. In our discussions we must talk about our values, our traditions and our expectations in our dating and working relationships. This is the time where every voice should be heard," Mckie said.

The SARC, as well as six Victim Advocates, will be available to conduct training during these days, but team leaders are asked to plan ahead and schedule times with the SARC so they may accommodate as many units as possible.

"Sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexist conduct are not acceptable behaviors in the United States Air Force," wrote Moore. "Nor is it acceptable for bystanders to tolerate, condone, or ignore these behaviors. These behaviors inhibit our ability to carry out the AFLCMC mission and we must join together to promote an unwavering culture where perpetrators are held accountable and bystanders act to intervene."

For more information about the stand-down, contact Mckie at andrea.mckie@hanscom.af.mil.