Attention all Airmen: AF holds sexual assault offenders accountable, convictions now online Published Nov. 1, 2013 By Col. Chris Hill, Installation commander and Col. Henry Cyr, 461st Wing commander ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- You've heard a lot lately about the topic of sexual assault. You will continue to hear a lot about it in the weeks and months ahead. It's important that each Air Force member understands the importance of the Air Force addressing and solving this real issue. Each allegation of a criminal offense must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In court, the court members and military judge must exercise their independent judgment in determining the facts of a particular case and, if the accused is guilty, determine an appropriate punishment. When a person is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, it's often possible to identify recurring themes and risks. In that way, we can all work together to protect ourselves, protect each other and combat the problem head on. To this end, the Air Force now publishes sexual assault convictions online. Anyone can go to the website and review more than 100 sexual assault convictions from across the Air Force. After a few minutes of reviewing the facts of the cases that resulted in a conviction, you will soon see many cases are very similar - they involve: the use of alcohol; the absence of personal respect for the victim; and the absence of the victim's consent. A number of these cases also involve Airmen assaulting fellow Airmen. Many times these victims were coworkers and former friends - people who trusted their assailant. It is critical that we all look out for each other, that we respect each other and that we create a culture of respect and sense of responsibility for each other. Airmen, who are convicted of sexual assault, can be held accountable by military judges and court-martial panels with punishments that often include jail time, rank reductions and punitive discharges. Be aware, of course, that there are - and should be - large variances in what a particular accused may receive as a punishment. Punishments are determined on an individual, case-by-case basis, and are based on the specific facts of that case. Furthermore, Airmen who are found guilty of sexual assault and don't receive a punitive discharge as part of their punishment will have administrative discharge proceedings initiated against them and may be retained only if they meet a cumulative multi-part test. For Airmen at this base, only Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Litchfield, Air Force Sustainment Center commander, can waive this requirement to initiate administrative discharge proceedings. In addition, as required by many state laws, convicted Airmen must also register in their jurisdiction's sexual assault registry. These sex offender lists include the names and addresses of convicted sex offenders and are publicly available online. What is clear is that the Air Force will neither condone nor sit idly by when there has been an allegation of sexual assault - and will not tolerate those who do not share our values regarding sexual assault and mutual respect for one another. An accused who commits such an offense will be held accountable by the Air Force and by society. We encourage all Airmen to visit the website at www.afjag.af.mil/sexualassaultprosecution/index.asp. The site, in addition to information on prior sexual assault convictions in the Air Force, has information on the senior trial counsel program, senior defense counsel program and the special victim's counsel program. After reading the information provided, we ask that you take the time to discuss the cases - and the serious personal, legal and career-ending consequences of committing sexual assault - with your fellow Airmen. It's critical that we work together to combat this serious, mission-threatening issue. When you see a situation that isn't right, be a good wingman; intervene and insist your fellow Airman treat others with respect. You will regret being a passive bystander when a few words of intervention can forever positively change the lives of Airmen around you. Always remember, your actions will help create the environment where all Airmen are respected and supported.