Odierno discusses Army values and sexual assault prevention

Odierno discusses Army values and sexual assault prevention

Friday, June 1, 2012

During a tour of the European theater, the Army chief of staff, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, sat down for a podcast with U.S. Army Europe, and spoke at a town hall meeting at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, where he discussed Army values and sexual assault and harassment prevention.Odierno said sexual assault and sexual harassment, "are inconsistent with our values. It’s not consistent with the trust we expect to have between soldiers."Adding, "As part of the Army profession, it really is about our values, our moral and ethical values. It is also about what I consider to be the basic component and fundamental foundation of the profession, which is trust."Through the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program, the Army can reinforce its commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment through awareness and prevention, training, victim advocacy, reporting and accountability.U.S. Army Europe remains committed in this effort to eliminate incidents of sexual assaults and educate soldiers, civilians and family members through intervention, prevention and reporting procedures."It is important during this month that we reflect on this and we try to do everything we can to ensure that all soldiers, male or female, feel comfortable serving," Odierno said."Sexual assault and harassment are incomprehensible and it’s something that is inconsistent with our values and ending this misconduct is a responsibility that belongs to all of us, and I am confident in our efforts to do so," Odierno said.(Editor’s note: This article is based on a story by Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army Europe.)