Executive Summary
This report assesses the U.S. Coast Guard's efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH), finding a fragmented system despite individual program capabilities. It identifies seven priority issues, including policy fragmentation, variable training quality, and resource constraints. The study provides policy options and recommendations to improve coherence, accountability, and effectiveness.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense analysts as it details systemic issues within a U.S. military branch regarding sexual assault and harassment, impacting force readiness, morale, and public trust.
Key Takeaways
- The Coast Guard's SASH prevention, response, and accountability systems are fragmented, unevenly implemented, and constrained by gaps in governance, resources, and data integration.
Source evidence · PDF page 59
Our analysis identifies a consistent pattern: Although individual programs addressing SASH have developed meaningful capabilities, the overall system remains fragmented, unevenly implemented, and constrained by gaps in governance, resources, and data integration.
- SASH risk is concentrated in specific operational environments and workforce groups, such as cutter commands, afloat units, junior personnel, and nonrates.
Source evidence · PDF page 61
Survey results show SASH risk is not evenly distributed across the Coast Guard. Risk is concentrated in particular operational environments and workforce groups, including cutter commands, afloat units, junior personnel, nonrates, and several job families.
- Key recommendations include consolidating SASH program authorities, expanding support capacity, and strengthening leadership accountability.
Source evidence · PDF page 107
When asked to identify the most critical recommended area to address, respondents most often selected consolidating or formally coordinating SASH program authorities within a unified policy framework. Expanding SASH support capacity, including targeting resources to higher-risk units and strengthening support for sexual harassment cases, was the next most frequently selected recommendation.
Strategic Relevance
Addressing sexual assault and harassment within military forces is critical for maintaining unit cohesion, trust, and overall operational effectiveness. Systemic failures in this area can undermine recruitment, retention, and public confidence in military institutions, directly impacting national security capabilities.