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Army's review of Fort Hood command climate to be made public on Dec. 8

Fort Hood
Posted at 5:14 PM, Nov 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-18 18:17:18-05

The Army's independent review of Fort Hood's command climate will be made public on December 8, according to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy.

The review was prompted following the murder of Pfc. Vanessa Guillen.

Army Secretary McCarthy addressed sexual assault and sexual harassment in the branch as well as the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program in a video message.

"My preliminary review of the report, recent cases, and recent media coverage, have hardened my belief that the Army’s SHARP program hasn’t achieved its mandate to eliminate sexual assaults and sexual harassment by creating a climate that respects the dignity of every member of the Army family," he said.

The army secretary said the entire branch "must do better."

“Leaders, regardless of rank, are accountable for what happens in their units and must have the courage to speak up and intervene when they recognize actions that bring harm to our Soldiers and to the integrity of our institution,” Army Secretary McCarthy said. “If we do not have the trust of America – nothing else matters.”

An action plan based on the review's findings will also be released on December 8.

"It is clear we have significant work to do to regain our Soldiers’ trust in our Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program," said Army Secretary McCarthy.

A separate investigation into Fort Hood's leadership and the handling of claims that Pfc. Guillen was sexually harassed, which is being lead by Gen. Murray, is still ongoing and is set to be released at a later date.