Concerns about harassment

[Coenobita]

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I'm applying for the HPSP right now, but I have a few concerns that are making me skeptical. As a minority and female, I am scared of harrassment in both verbal and worst case scenario, phsyical. I have been reassured by my recruiter that the military is professional and that harrasment is handled accordingly, but stories like this scare me!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/21/justice/soldiers-charged/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

I know this particular story is an isolated case, but this makes me wonder how many cases are not brought the the military or public's attention. The article states that his superiors even partook in the physical abuse and calling of racial slurs. Additionally, this occured recently!! I know harrassment can occur anywhere, but the political hierachy of the military makes me concerned that my complaints(if any) won't be handled appropriately.

Does anyone have any experiences or can comment on how harrassment is handled, especially on a boat (I am leaning more towards the navy HPSP). Thank you.

 

[krmower]

I'm in the Army, but I can tell you that any type of harrassment is taken very seriously by Commanders (at least in the Dental Corps). If you feel that it is not you can always go to the IG (inspector general) who is an outside organization that conducts investigations and can quickly make the life of anyone not doing what they are supposed to very uncomfortable.

The other thing to realize is that you will be an officer working with other dentists. Hopefully in order for those individuals to become dentists they know how to act - the article you sited shows unfortunately how the less well educated/ignorant in the military can act - not the types you will be working with on a daily basis.

 

[vellnueve]

I'm applying for the HPSP right now, but I have a few concerns that are making me skeptical. As a minority and female, I am scared of harrassment in both verbal and worst case scenario, phsyical. I have been reassured by my recruiter that the military is professional and that harrasment is handled accordingly, but stories like this scare me!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/21/justice/soldiers-charged/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

I know this particular story is an isolated case, but this makes me wonder how many cases are not brought the the military or public's attention. The article states that his superiors even partook in the physical abuse and calling of racial slurs. Additionally, this occured recently!! I know harrassment can occur anywhere, but the political hierachy of the military makes me concerned that my complaints(if any) won't be handled appropriately.

Does anyone have any experiences or can comment on how harrassment is handled, especially on a boat (I am leaning more towards the navy HPSP). Thank you.

As a Navy dentist you will be an officer and will command the respect (and even fear) of the enlisted servicemen and women. The Navy officer community is one of professionals, especially in the Dental Corps, and I think you will find that the standards of behavior and of your fellow dental officers will exceed those of their civilian counterparts.

I urge you not to be deterred by this disturbing story, in a community of well over a million servicemembers there will always be persons who do not live up to their responsibilities and expectations. The military and the Navy in particular generally do not look kindly on persons who perpetrate crimes of this sort.


The opinions above are mine and mine alone - they do not represent the official views or policy of DOD or the Navy.

 

[NAVY DDS 2010]

As a Navy dentist you will be an officer and will command the respect (and even fear) of the enlisted servicemen and women. The Navy officer community is one of professionals, especially in the Dental Corps, and I think you will find that the standards of behavior and of your fellow dental officers will exceed those of their civilian counterparts.

I urge you not to be deterred by this disturbing story, in a community of well over a million servicemembers there will always be persons who do not live up to their responsibilities and expectations. The military and the Navy in particular generally do not look kindly on persons who perpetrate crimes of this sort.


The opinions above are mine and mine alone - they do not represent the official views or policy of DOD or the Navy.

OK. I have not posted here in some time to allow myself time to get things ready for graduating and moving, but this post made me have to respond to it.

WOW!!! Commanding the respect (and even fear). Are you serious? How long have you actually served in the Navy as an officer actually leading people (time in dental school doesn't count)? You can command those under you to follow orders, but you cannot command respect. Respect is earned. If you feel you can command those working for you to respect you, then I really feel sorry for you because your job will become a living nightmare. Enlisted personnnel are more intelligent than you probably give them credit for - especially corpsman. If you 'command' respect form them, they will make your job very difficult in a manner you will have absolutely no control over. And the more you fight it, the more they will make things harder for you. The best way to earn their respect is to respect them first. To fight for them when necessary. To give them a reason why they want to come to work each day. Let them know they are appreciated. When you let them know you care and are willing to fight for them, then they will go all out for you and make you look good.

So, for those who have not actually served, do not listen to this individual regarding respect. If you try to command it, respect will not be given to you. Respect will actually be lost.

 

[vellnueve]

That wasn't what I was driving at - it was late and maybe I could have been a little more clear.

Commanding respect doesn't mean that you order subordinates to respect you. Commanding respect means that through your words, actions, and example, you earn that respect. It may be a dated term, I don't know.

Respect is earned through leading by example, doing your job well, and being the kind of leader that the Navy and those both above and below you expect you to become, and yes that means respecting those serving under you, helping them advance, and mentoring them, and also being firm when necessary.

It's a metaphor, not a literal statement. A good officer who does all the things expected of an officer will be respected by all. I hope this clarifies my meaning.

Getting back to the OP's actual concerns: the 'fear' comment is to drive home the point that very few enlisted persons are going to sexually harass a DC LT. I can say for sure that I have not seen any instances of this since coming on active duty and I hope it does not deter you from considering the Navy.

This post reflects my own opinions and does not represent or reflect the policies or views of the DOD or Navy in any way.

 

[MaxAnn]

There is a great deal of training that goes on via NKO and in person about harassment. Having said that, there is harassment that I see, and most of those offending don't even realize they are doing it.

The harassment is SUBTLE comments in the form of sly remarks that are made towards others in passing. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen from time to time and usually in jest.

Some people don't yet realize, even after hours of training, that a joke to them might be offensive to others. This happens on both the enlisted and officer side.

The problem is brining attention to it may get the person "labeled" as a troublemaker and the navy dental community is small, the smallest of all the branches. If you are harssed, you have to be careful how you handle it especially if you want to make the Navy a career. It could really ruin you and the offender who otherwise had no idea what they were doing wrong.

I hope this helps.