Airmen already know the pace here is much different than home. “Frenetic” is the word Donna Rathbun uses to describe the operations tempo on base.

“The mission is always in the forefront,” she said. “There isn’t time for outside distractions or mistakes. Airmen are working long hours, and there’s very little time to get to know people personally.”

These factors together contribute to the possibility of sexual assault occurring in the war zone, said Ms. Rathbun, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. As the first Air Force civilian sexual assault response coordinator, or SARC, to deploy to the region, she offers unique insight on the challenges facing deployed Airmen.

“A lot of times, younger Airmen are already homesick,” she said. “(The women) miss the companionship of other female friends they have back home. This makes them more vulnerable and trusting and, in turn, potential victims of sexual assault.”

This is where the SARC comes in. Ms. Rathbun said many Airmen aren’t aware of what the SARC does, because the program is so new. The Air Force just mandated a start date in June 2005, so it’s difficult to get valid statistics and data.

“The SARC is a direct help line for men and women,” she said. “There are several courses of action to take when someone is assaulted. But, the most important one is to get help.”

There are two types of reporting for victims of sexual assault. The first, unrestricted reporting, means police and federal agents investigate alleged crimes, and courts martial prosecute guilty offenders.

Restricted reporting is a new option for victims of sexual assault. Under restricted reporting, victims are offered assistance and counseling. They don’t have to move forward with an investigation. However, victims always have the option to request an investigation if they change their minds.

“The real goal here is to educate people and help resolve the issue and take the fear out of the reporting process,” Ms. Rathbun said. “Knowledge is power and so many people are afraid of the unknown. When Airmen know they have these options, they are much more likely to come forward and get help.”

Ms. Rathbun hopes her civilian status lends itself to open lines of communication.

“When Airmen don’t have to worry about rank and hierarchy, they’re much more likely to open up and talk,” she said.

But, she also understands the Air Force. Ms. Rathbun joined the military in 1979 and served four years on the first team of firefighters that included women. This helps her appreciate the rank structure and dynamics of a coed force serving in a stressful environment.

“I like to think of myself as approachable to enlisted members and officers alike,” she said. “And, I offer assistance to commanders too. Most importantly, I feel I offer a balanced approach to a complex issue.”

Ms. Rathbun said she’s literally worked with hundreds of commanders who were faced with the difficult task of how to help a victim while balancing their duty to the rights of the accused.

“It’s a tough issue, like nailing Jell-O to a tree, but we can’t solve the issue (of sexual assault) unless we discuss it,” she said.

Ms. Rathbun also spent 10 years working in a victim witness assistance program before joining the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., as a civilian SARC.

“Unfortunately, I’ve seen it all,” she said. “But, that gives me the tools to help people who truly think they’re alone.”

Ms. Rathbun’s status as the first civilian SARC to deploy draws more than praises from her superiors back home. Servicemembers here often do a “double-take” when they look at her uniform.

“I’m often greeted with puzzled looks as Airmen and Soldiers try to figure out my rank,” said Ms. Rathbun, who wears the desert camouflage uniforms like all the other Airmen on base but doesn’t have any rank sewn on.

“My uniform throws people for a loop,” she said. “But, it often gets the conversation going.”

Ms. Rathbun said she hopes this same conversation will continue to flow in the months to come as she assists and educates Airmen and Soldiers.