Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan is establishing a task force to help “eliminate sexual assault and sexual harassment in the United States military,” according to The Hill.
The task force was requested this week by Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), a former Air Force squadron commander who recently announced she had been sexually assaulted in the service.
“I strongly believe we cannot take responsibility away from commanders due to the unique role commanders play in culture, readiness, good order and discipline, and mission,” McSally wrote in a letter to Shanahan. “However, we cannot accept the status quo.”
McSally asked to meet with the task force next week in hopes of having recommendations to include in the fiscal year 2020 defense bill.
Snap of the Week
Naval Academy plebes climb the Herndon Monument, a tradition symbolizing the successful completion of the midshipmen’s freshman year. The class of 2027 completed the climb in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds. Navy photo by Stacy Godfrey
