New program being launched to eliminate sexual assault Published June 17, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A new program piloted at Keesler 17 months ago that's intended to eliminate sexual assault is now being launched across the Air Force. "Bystander intervention training is intended to assist in changing cultural norms to recognize situations where sexual assaults may occur and provide intervention strategies to give Airmen the tools needed to help," said Barry Newman of Keesler's sexual assault prevention and response office. "Now bystander intervention training will be provided in lieu of annual sexual assault prevention and response training." The training teaches who the bystander is, why it is important to get involved and how to intervene to prevent sexual assaults. One goal of the training, which is closely aligned with the wingman concept, is to convey the importance of bystander intervention training in relation to the Air Force's core values and how it can help in instances of sexual inappropriateness or sexual aggression, Training is mandatory for all military members, including Guard and Reserve, and civilians who supervise military members. The one-time training event must be completed before June 30, 2012. Training is for permanent party members, not for students in pipeline training status. Bystander intervention training kicks off at Keesler this week with modules for Keesler leaders. One session took place Monday and another is planned for this morning. This leaders' module is intended for squadron commanders and their deputies, chiefs and first sergeants; group commanders, their deputies and superintendents; and wing commanders and vice commanders, command chief, director of staff and O-6 and civilian equivalent wing staff agency directors. "The training itself is very interactive and relies on trained facilitators to guide the discussions," Mr. Newman said. "We've worked with the 81st Mission Support Group to develop a share point site for people to see scheduled training dates and sign up to satisfy the ancillary training requirement." The site is www.keesler.eis.aetc.af.mil/81TRW/SARC/default.aspx "We're excited about finally implementing this training that was piloted here almost two years ago," Mr. Newman pointed out. "The Air Force's approach to combating sexual assault is unparalleled. It's the only organization that I'm aware of that has developed a module geared specifically to leaders. Research has shown that by dividing participants by sex, a more open dialogue can be achieved among the participants and that can help change behaviors and attitudes." For information, call the sexual assault prevention and response office, 377-7278.