New Secretary of Defense orders evaluation of sexual assault prevention programs

Newly sworn-in Secretary of Defense Lloyd AustinLloyd Austin Biden must wait until the weekend for the State Department’s impeachment trial for Trump to begin the week of February 8, with Trump’s DHS chief arguing for a quick confirmation of Biden’s choice in Hawley’s midst. allegedly requested reports of military sexual assault prevention programs from senior officials and ordered their review

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

“Include in your report consideration of new approaches in one of these areas,” Austin reportedly wrote to senior Pentagon officials. “We should not be afraid to be creative.”

According to the AP, Austin admitted in his memo that the military has long had a problem with sexual assault.

Austin was repeatedly pressed on the issue of sexual assault and harassment during his confirmation hearing. The retired general had vowed to resolve the issue if confirmed.

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

The AP notes that reported military sexual assaults have continued to increase since 2006, increasing by 13% in 2018 and 3% in 2019. The news service reports that Austin has scheduled a meeting with senior military officials on the topic in the coming days.

Austin, the first black head of the US Pentagon, was sworn in on Friday. He is among the first candidates for President Biden’s cabinet to be confirmed in office. Concerns have been raised that the process of confirming Biden’s nominees could be delayed as the Senate prepares for the former President TrumpDonald Trump NYT: Rep. Perry was instrumental in Trump’s alleged plan to oust the interim Arizona GOP censorious state Republicans McCain, Flake and Ducey Biden and the British Prime Minister discuss the NATO and multilateralism in a PLUS callsecond indictment trial.