Pentagon links leadership failures to violence at bases

Source: Associated Press

Pentagon links leadership failures to violence at bases

By LOLITA C. BALDOR
March 31, 2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — Military bases with a high risk for sexual assault, harassment and other harmful behaviors often have leaders who don’t understand violence prevention, don’t make it a priority and focus more on their mission than on their people, a Pentagon review has concluded.

The review studied 20 bases in the United States and Europe, including 18 with some of the more severe problems identified in command climate surveys. It found that the failures were worse in a number of bases in Germany and Spain where key leaders and resources weren’t on site. The report was publicly released Thursday.

At Naval Station Rota in Spain, for example, the report said that the military mission requirements “were prioritized above and at the expense of the sailors’ well-being.” They said sailors reported bullying, mental health issues, sexual harassment and relationship problems, but often could not seek help due to their mission requirements.

In one location, officials said, they found that young enlisted men were taking steps to help their female peers stay safe by keeping them away from more senior leaders who were harassing them.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the report as part of his effort ...

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/europe-united-states-germany-spain-only-on-ap-dddbd07cbab23ecde869ac14ea9df6f3