New Defense Secretary orders evaluation of sexual assault prevention programs

Newly sworn Secretary of Defense Lloyd AustinLloyd AustinBiden must wait for the State Department’s Trump impeachment trial to begin the weekend to begin the week of February 8. allegedly requested reports on military sexual assault prevention programs from top leadership and ordered a review of them

According to The Associated Press, Austin requested an assessment of the sexual assault and harassment prevention measures that have proven effective and ineffective in the past year, as well as relevant data from the past 10 years.

“Include in your report consideration of new approaches to any of these areas,” Austin reportedly wrote to senior Pentagon officials. “We shouldn’t be afraid to be creative.”

According to the AP, Austin acknowledged in his memo that the military has a longstanding problem with sexual assault.

Austin was repeatedly pressured on the issue of sexual assault and harassment during his confirmation hearing. The retired general promised to solve the problem if confirmed.

“If confirmed, I will strive hard to eradicate sexual assault and rid our ranks of racists and extremists and to create a climate where everyone is in a position and has the opportunity to serve this country with dignity,” said Austin during his hearing.

The AP notes that reported military sexual attacks have continued to increase since 2006, rising 13 percent in 2018 and 3 percent in 2019. The news service reports that Austin has planned a meeting with the military leadership on the matter in the coming days.

Austin, the first black US Pentagon chief, was sworn in on Friday. He is among the first nominees to President Biden’s office to be confirmed in office. Concerns have been raised that the Biden nominee confirmation process may be delayed as the Senate prepares to President TrumpDonald TrumpNYT: Deputy Perry played a role in Trump’s alleged plan to expel AG Arizona GOP censors leading state Republicans McCain, Flake and Ducey Biden and the UK Prime Minister discuss NATO, multilateralism during call MOREsecond impeachment trial.