The Navy and Marine Corps' Strategic Imperative to Address Pornography and Promiscuity
Abstract
The Navy and Marine Corps have focused significant effort on decreasing incidents of sexual assault and harassment, but they have not produced the desired results. A critical message that has not been conveyed, but that needs to be, is that sexual promiscuity and pornography consumption within the Navy and Marine Corps ranks may lead to sexual assault and harassment and might be detrimental to healthy command climates and unit cohesion because of their tendency to cause objectification and other negative physiological and psychological effects on the individual. Healthy command climates and strong unit cohesion are necessary for attaining optimal readiness and resiliency, and these are best achieved through leaders that foster climates and cultures of trust, respect, integrity, and accountability. Events like Tailhook 1991 and Marines United occurred because there existed a culture that was tolerant of some unethical sexual behavior. Achieving positive cultural change invokes the strategic imperative to address pornography consumption and promiscuity as potentially harmful habits that can have detrimental effects on unit cohesion and command climate and culture. A key element for improving readiness, resiliency, and overall effectiveness is for the Navy Marine Corps team and its leaders to take a transformational approach to messaging ethical sexual behavior through appropriate policies, practices, and personal behavior.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 24, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1177408
Entities
People
- Valerie A. Van Zummeren
Organizations
- Marine Corps University