Air Force JAG officer reveals fight against sexual assault

In a recent government meeting, a former Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer shared insights from his extensive experience addressing sexual harassment and assault within military institutions. He recounted his dual role at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he served as both a prosecutor and a counselor for cadets and officers who had experienced such violations. His work involved direct engagement with survivors and the leadership at the Academy to implement necessary changes in response to allegations of widespread misconduct.

The officer highlighted his return to the Air Force Academy as part of a \"tiger team\" initiated by the Secretary of the Air Force, aimed at investigating public accusations of sexual assault and gender discrimination. He emphasized the importance of developing policies and conducting focus groups to prevent future incidents, asserting that the Academy is striving to become a model for other service academies.

Additionally, he discussed his tenure at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he served as deputy general counsel for litigation investigations. There, he faced the complex challenge of reshaping the agency's internal processes for handling sexual harassment and assault cases, balancing the need for confidentiality with the rights of individuals to report misconduct without fear of losing their jobs. His efforts included responding to an investigation prompted by complaints from female employees, collaborating with congressional staff to advocate for changes that would better protect whistleblowers.

The officer's testimony underscores ongoing efforts within military and intelligence communities to address and reform practices surrounding sexual misconduct, reflecting a commitment to creating safer environments for all personnel.