Report recommends family-friendly initiatives Published March 31, 2005 By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- A military women’s advisory panel recommends that the armed forces discontinue the practice of simultaneously deploying both military parents of minor children.That is among several proposed changes the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Armed Services cited in its 2004 report.“Our recommendations are intended to improve the military lives of servicemembers and their families and to ensure that they believe their sacrifice is worthwhile and appreciated,” committee officials said.Recommendations in the report include:-- Developing sabbatical programs and allowing military families the option of remaining at assigned installations during critical family events.-- Evaluating how military training affects single parents and encouraging military leaders to support family-readiness programs.-- Implementing a new definition of sexual assault into the Uniform Code of Military Justice for consistent reference in training and information collection, and by military law enforcement agencies.-- Ensuring that the official definition of what constitutes sexual assault within the military establishes a clear legal standard that is distinct from other sex-related offenses.The committee also recommended that the military assess the effectiveness of Web-based family support programs such as Military One Source.The committee did not specifically address recruitment issues but said retention, deployment and sexual assault concerns could affect recruitment.Committee members visited 14 military bases, conducting 70 focus groups consisting of servicemembers and spouses.The 13-person committee, chaired by retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, advises senior DOD leaders on issues and policies related to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration and well-being of women in the armed forces.