Officials release report of Sheppard review

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  The preliminary findings of a special review team sent to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, to examine reports of sexual assaults indicate students feel the base provides a safe training, working and living environment.

Gen. Donald G. Cook, commander of Air Education and Training Command, released the summary of the AETC Special Review Team's findings Feb. 26. This was less than a week after the team returned to the headquarters here following an examination of alleged increased sexual assaults at the north Texas base.

On Feb. 12, General Cook directed the 22-person interdisciplinary team to travel to Sheppard and conduct a review of the base's plans, policies, programs and procedures to determine if there were any deficiencies in addressing sexual assaults. He directed the review following allegations that "a wave of sexual assaults was going largely unnoticed at Sheppard AFB."

The review team examined the environment and the existing sexual-assault reporting processes at Sheppard; reviewed reported sexual-assault cases to confirm they were handled appropriately; determined if there were unreported sexual-assault cases; and examined the effectiveness of the Victim Witness Assistance Program.

The team, led by Col. K.C. McClain, AETC deputy director of operations for technical training, interviewed more than 1,000 people at the base. The people interviewed included a random sample of students, commanders, senior enlisted leaders and experts such as the chaplain, medical staff and family support center professionals.

The team also surveyed more than 5,000 students.

Based on the extensive interviews and survey results, the review found students at Sheppard believe they are in a safe working, living and training environment.

Ninety percent of students said wing leaders encourage reporting and effectively handle sexual-assault allegations when reported.

The great majority of female students, about 95 percent, indicated they feel safe on base, according to review team findings.

Team members found students understand how to report sexual assaults; however, many students indicated a reluctance to report them. One of the primary reasons students gave for not reporting sexual assaults were concerns they would be delayed in training at Sheppard as the investigation moved forward. Other reasons were that they would be disciplined for misconduct occurring in conjunction with the sexual assault, such as underage drinking; embarrassment; loss of confidentiality, since only reports to the chaplain remain confidential; and peer pressure.

The findings also indicated base agencies have good processes in place to respond to reports of sexual assault and to assist victims.

The review of Sheppard's Victim Witness Assistance Program indicated the program provides solid support and services.

An in-depth review of 45 sexual assault cases at Sheppard from 1993 to 2003 that resulted in completed courts-martial or nonjudicial punishments, known in the military as Articles 15, showed the cases were handled appropriately and expeditiously.

An additional 69 investigations occurred since 1996 that did not result in either courts-martial or Article 15 actions. The command is reviewing these to confirm the disposition of each was appropriate. Ten other allegations are currently under investigation.

Colonel McClain met with the local civilian crisis counseling center leaders, who indicated their confidence in Sheppard's handling of sexual-assault allegations and assistance to victims.

Discussions between Colonel McClain and local civilian law enforcement officials yielded findings that local law enforcement officials have confidence in Sheppard's ability to appropriately respond to sexual-assault cases.

The review team's preliminary findings strongly suggest the environment at Sheppard is safe, robust programs exist to deter sexual assaults, and swift response is provided to aid victims and punish perpetrators when sexual assaults occur. However, the review team determined there are ways to improve existing programs. For example, student training should be expanded to include more emphasis on sexual-assault awareness, deterrence and reporting. Such training should also be presented in a more interactive setting.

Likewise, the current training programs for commanders, first sergeants, military training leaders and instructors should be expanded to include further training on sexual-assault awareness, deterrence and reporting.

Command officials are examining plans, policies, programs and procedures at each command installation to ensure existing programs addressing sexual assaults are appropriate and effective regarding this serious issue.

"Our most important obligation to our people at Sheppard and every other Air Force base is to give them a safe and secure working, living and training environment," General Cook said. "We do not tolerate assaults, and we make every effort to prevent such criminal behavior. But if despite our best efforts deterrence fails, our top priority is to provide swift and compassionate aid to the victims, thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding assaults and prosecute perpetrators." (Courtesy of AETC News Service)