Sexual Harassment

[Anonymous]

I was just wondering if someone would be willing to answer a question that I have. I am a junior in High School right now and I am thinking about going into the Air Force. Although if I do go in I am not planning on going in right out of High School, I want to go in as an officer. I was reciently reading some of the messages about Sexual Harassment that goes on in the military and it makes me a little bit hesitant to go into the Air Force. I know that if I was in the Air Force and it did happen to me that I would not put up with it but I am still not sure that it is something I want to put myself through. If anyone has any comments could they please write back to me. I am not sure what I should do as far as this subject is concerned. Thank you very much for all of your help. Amanda

Phoebebabe247@aol.com

[Anonymous]

Don't let it deter you. All corporate environments will always have their "problem children" . If the Air Force is where you want to be, you'll simply learn how to deflect and deter these people in THAT environment.

This next bit may not be PC or even nice, but it is for real; use it to make you a stronger, more solid officer in whatever career field you choose:

Sexual harrassment of any kind or degree is quite mild compared to the hurdles that may face you as you ascend the ranks and accept increasingly more difficult tasks. Remember always, that you are a member of the US Armed Forces, and you must be prepared to identify, deter, thwart, neutralize, defeat and or outwit ANY foe who bocks your mission. In the beginning, your mission is simply to learn manners and methods. From time to time, your mission will be school or job training (i.e.: To gain everything that an Air Force Officer could possibly gain from a class or briefing). In these arenas, stakes are low -- no one stands to die if you don't succeed. You may lose you GPA, your post of choice, or your personal standing, but all in all, it's no real crisis, and with determination, you will be able to regain your ground.

Men that you intend to serve beside as an equal may rightfully ask whether a person who can't fend off a personal assault is fit to be a real officer or soldier -- after all, isn't that the point? Do not pounce on the instinct to defend your "right" to serve, or to make the arguement that you're going to be "admin" of some sort. Think hard about this, and think it through as if they were talking about another man. The Army trains all its people in hand to hand combat, as do the Marines. They have a good point--the idea is that although it may not be your primary job, it MAY VERY WELL COME DOWN TO YOU. If you can't defend yourself, how can you hold a position? And if you're not sure you can handle the danger inherent in going to war, by what right would you ask ANY service to have you? Remember that not all men are cut out to be in the military either, and that gender-based assumptions work against them and their peers as well; when a service insists that any man can be a rifleman, then some incapable fool is going to get his unit killed because he truly CAN'T do the job. In their ignorance, they took him because he was a man, but the woman who may be a perfect shot was (until just recently) never considered (Revolutionary History notwithstanding).

As women, we can twist the ordeal of sexual harrassment to our advantage; it's like survival training. Does this mean you should tolerate it? NO! (That's not the point here,although the tangent is indeed a valid alternate discussion.)

You will always need to prove that others can rely upon you as a full-fledged member of a team. Men need to see you in successful action before you gain their trust. Until you prove yourself a few times, you may notice that they tend to trust males sooner. DON'T let this affect your can-do attitude. (Some women overprocess this as sexual harrassment, and let it affect their work ethic.) But keep in mind, that as you effectively neutralize each/any occurence, minor or major, you are becoming stronger and more able to deal with ANY violent crisis that may come your way. You will be able to see things brewing before they even affect your people, and steer events in a different direction. Call it heightened, long-range situational awareness, if you want.

THAT having been said, if it should ever come down to and actual confrontation, win. No matter what comes your way, your agenda is that you are a member of the US military, and you did what you were trained to do. Any violent attacker is an obstacle to your training. Neutralize the threat and move on. Do not be afraid to call for support, but first make sure that you can count on those that you call. And do realize, that like many prior battlefields, sometimes you are alone...reinforcements simply can't help, and you must rely on your guts, your head, and your training.....just like a real member of the US Armed Services.

Good luck, work hard, and get MANY OTHER points of view on this subject. You'll get a deeper feel for the range of experiences.

T_Pau@juno.com

[Anonymous]

That was such a well thought and refreshing response, Nicole. Thank you. Although sexual harrassment is indeed a very serious problem, I echo your view that women can defend themselves and are not helpless creatures. Isn't that why there are women in the military!? I don't think women in the military should let a few ignorant men ruin what could be a potentially very rewarding career. Thank you for your post.

[Anonymous]

Amanda, i am in the same boat. i am in High School and i've wanted to go into ANY Military branch i could. I've now chosen the Air Force. I'm going to be an SP in the USAF and i will become a Police Officer after that. but if you want to be a cop, PERSONALLY, i think the best way to go is what i'm doing...4 years of Air Force, then 2 years of Technical College, then off to the Police Academy. but it's up to you, and good luck with whatever you choose to do :)

-alison

ryanssopfan@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Dear Amanda, when I was in the United States Air Force way back in 1985-1990, there was a department where you could report sexual harassment. Also, there were several ocassions where I was either sexually discriminated and harassed, but I never did anything because I didn't want to get labeled as a trouble maker. But that department was there for a reason. You've also got a congressman who cares about you too, and nobody wants a congressional investigation. This stuff happened as an enlisted person. So I am very happy that you want to go in as an officer because they say it's easier to be an officer, except for the boot camp/basic training. Also as an officer, you can make a difference and try to stop sexual harassment for other women. If you want to talk about it, just e-mail me. Anna

anna1963@mac.com

[Anonymous]

: Amanda, i am in the same boat. i am in High School and i've wanted to go into
: ANY Military branch i could. I've now chosen the Air Force. I'm going to
: be an SP in the USAF and i will become a Police Officer after that. but if
: you want to be a cop, PERSONALLY, i think the best way to go is what i'm
: doing...4 years of Air Force, then 2 years of Technical College, then off
: to the Police Academy. but it's up to you, and good luck with whatever you
: choose to do :)
:
: -alison


Alison,

I'm just wondering if you've spoken to any women in the Security Forces Career Field to prepare yourself. I've been an SP for 5 years and if your interested in the real deal, feel free to send an email to the account listed.

dtskittykat@hotmail.com