Sexual crimes in the military can be effectively overcome by adhering to the basic principles of “This is my squad ” (TIMS). The main task of the activity of army leaders is considered to be the leading solution to the harassment problem that exists in the US Army today. It should be done to establish discipline and the order laid down by law in military collectives. In addition, it includes the protection of the interests of military personnel in all areas of their lives through the implementation of the so-called army initiative “This is my squad” (TIMS).
Sexual assault in the US military is linked to a phenomenon known as hazing. According to Douglas, hazing in the US army is associated with various ritual rites after passing a fighter’s preparatory course or special schools (Douglas, 2020). In 2016, 95% of female and male military personnel took special classes on topics related to sexual violence that occurred in the previous year in the armed forces (Klemmer, Schuyler, Mamey, Schrager, Castro, Goldbach, & Holloway, 2020). Due to these protective measures, the current approach has led to a decrease in the level of sexual violence in the US Army.
According to the TIMS principles, officers are responsible for the life, health, and safe conditions of the military service of their subordinates. They acknowledge that, first of all, these principles are formed by measures of an educational and preventive nature and not by tightening control over the state of military discipline (Douglas, 2020). Therefore, sexual crimes in the military can be effectively overcome if leaders adhere to the basic principles of “This is my Squad” (TIMS). In addition to the inevitability of punishment for such crimes, the basis for preventing violent manifestations should be the joint work of the military and their commanders with psychologists. It should be aimed at creating a friendly moral and psychological climate and intolerance of such facts.
Sexual violence in the military is one of the typical violations of statutory relationships today. A new method of countering harassment in the Army – the use of TIMS principles – proved to be working. However, sexual harassment is not a social disease that is born and dies in the Army only. Work to prevent sexual violence in the armed forces can also lead to a reduction in sexual harassment outside the military.
References
Douglas, R. M. (2020). The US army and male rape during the Second World War. Journal of Contemporary History, 1(1), 10-19.
Klemmer, C. L., Schuyler, A. C., Mamey, M. R., Schrager, S. M., Castro, C. A., Goldbach, J., & Holloway, I. W. (2020). Health and service-related impact of sexual and stalking victimization during united states military service on LGBT service members. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 9(3), 23-58.