Friday Morning Feel Good
I saw this on Facebook friend Jen's feed and wanted to share, I thought it was an awesome image - this is Command Sergeant Major James Ervin, the Fort Stewart garrison command sergeant major and Brig. Gen. Patrick Donahue, 3rd ID deputy commanding general for maneuvers, in a Take Back the Night march on Fort Stewart this April.
While we can't ignore the history of sexual assault in the U.S. military, we also can't disregard those who advocate for change with us.
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that's great... made me smile.. thanx for sharing!
unexpected (i guess because of my own prejudices) allies give me the same feeling that surprise snowdays gave me in high school.
I love this. It gives me a good feeling, and more hope that people can come together and work on issues that affect everyone.
Marching is easy. What else are they doing?
It is a huge deal that they are marching at all. Certainly marching is not all that needs to be done to properly address this issue, but it's a start.
For those unfamiliar with US military regulations, it is illegal for military members in uniform to protest, demonstrate, or otherwise participate in any "political" action. If these same soldiers were demonstrating at a health care rally, marching to protest the wars, or participating in a Greenpeace or Critical Mass action, they would be arrested and charged with violations of the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice). That means a court martial, possible prison time, and a dishonorable discharge. Effectively, these soldiers, including some senior officers and NCOs, are not only risking their careers but also prison time by standing up against rape...and the Army is touting this as a positive moment.
pseudo-edit: above post paraphrased from a friend who is an activist against military sex crimes
I'm definitely not one to cry randomly but this made me tear up.
I've got to say - the Army, while still less than feminist - is doing some great things with the programs for prevention of sexual assaults. I see these programs first-hand, and only good things can come of it. It won't change overnight, but this slow change is good enough for me!
As for the UCMJ - let's not make it worst than it sounds. While Soldiers most definitely have to abide by such regulations, there is also room interpretation of the law. If nothing else, protesting against rape is something the military is pushing this year. Dubbed the "Year of the NCO," this year is dedicated junior leaders stepping up and changing the Army culture. One of the things we've been asked do is to nip sexual harrassment and "sexual innuendo" - the military's word for the objectification of women - in the bud.