03/31/2022
The Department of Defense has released the 2021 On-Site Installation Evaluation (OSIE) Report, which provides senior Department leadership with greater visibility at the local level that can be scaled enterprise-wide. The OSIE Report will also allow the Department to better tailor the continued implementation of the Independent Review Commission's recommendations.
03/28/2022
With April serving as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, or SAAPM, U.S. Army Medical Logistics Command (AMLC) at Fort Detrick, Md. is like many Army organizations planning events to observe the effort. This year’s theme is “Prevention Starts With You.” Following a kickoff event on April 4, hosted by AMLC Commander Col. Tony Nesbitt, command staff are urged to participate in Teal Tuesdays throughout the month, where employees wear teal to raise awareness and show support for survivors of sexual violence.
03/28/2022
The Fort Drum, N.Y. Soldier and Family Readiness Division staff will support five awareness campaigns throughout the month of April, with events and activities scheduled to educate and engage community members. The following campaigns fall under the banner of Mountain Wellness Month: Autism Awareness Month, Financial Literacy Month, Alcohol Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and Child Abuse Prevention Month.
03/24/2022
It’s been about six months since her uncle, Craig, was killed by a drunk driver near his home in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and Capt. Jaclyn Gallagher — Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander, 43rd Adjutant General Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. — still cries when she speaks about him. In the military, alcohol-related incidents not only negatively impact readiness, but it’s very important to remember how much they can impact individual lives, Gallagher said. Out of the loss of her uncle, Gallagher came up with an idea to create a “powerful” presentation to hopefully spread a message that leaves a distinct impression on the Fort Leonard Wood community.
03/23/2022
Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth recently issued an Army Directive outlining a time-phased implementation of a revised ACFT as the Army’s general physical fitness test. Changes made to the ACFT incorporate feedback from Soldiers and independent analysis of test performance. Among the key changes announced by the Army are new age-and-gender-performance normed scoring scales; the replacement of the leg tuck with the plank for the core-strength assessment; and the addition of the 2.5-mile walk as an alternate aerobic event.
03/22/2022
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced the establishment of the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee (SPRIRC) which will address and prevent suicide in the military, pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. The SPRIRC will review relevant suicide prevention and response activities, as well as actions underway on the SecDef’s immediate actions on addressing sexual assault and recommendations of the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military, to ensure SPRIRC recommendations are synchronized with current prevention activities and capabilities.
03/15/2022
As a kid, David Allen Stone always wanted to be in the military and serve his country. Enlisting in the post-9/11 era, Stone knew he would be deployed overseas. However, he never envisioned the internal struggles he would endure during his military service. For many Soldiers, depression and suicide are taboo topics no one wants to talk about. However, Stone has turned his pain into music, with hopes of helping others struggling with mental health challenges. Stone, an Illinois Army National Guard Sergeant First Class, is part of the state’s 123rd Engineer Battalion.
03/11/2022
The Army has announced the use of an improved method to collect specimens in support of its drug testing program. The new Drug Testing Program—Client Collection System—will generate a two-dimensional bar code label which will be placed on the specimen bottle. The use of the two-dimensional bar code label will eliminate sending the DD Form 2624, Chain of Custody Form, to the Drug Testing Lab. All identifying information for each Soldier will be imprinted on the bar code label. The Army decision to replace the current system was made in December 2021 to make the newer version the primary software for drug testing.
03/09/2022
The Army continues to update and implement policies and procedures aimed at tackling sexual offenses. Leaders are responsible for implementing and ensuring policies against sexual offenses are upheld, said Jill Londagin, U.S. Army SHARP director. “These incidents destroy cohesion, unity, and the teamwork needed to ensure success for our worldwide missions.” Commanders and leaders are to ensure there’s a shared understanding and correct application of updated reporting procedures for sexual assault. Leaders are defined as squad leaders and above and includes civilian supervisors.
03/07/2022
Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., Commanding General,1st Theater Sustainment Command, invited more than 40 Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program (SHARP) professionals to participate in a recent SHARP summit. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions of senior leadership and coordinating agencies like law enforcement and legal, make recommendations, share best practices, and focus on ways to enhance their resilience as they perform a tough mission.
03/01/2022
The 597th Transportation Brigade implemented a new Army suicide prevention strategy chain teach from the most senior leaders down to the most junior, first-line leaders at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The new training is based on a public health approach and focused on primary prevention versus just intervention, according to Maj. Dennis Rowe, commander, 690th Rapid Port Opening Element, 832nd Transportation Battalion.
