The Australian army released a public service announcement this week, and Lt. Gen. David Morrison does not mince words: If you’re sexist, you need to just get out.
“Those who think that it is okay to behave in a way that demeans or exploits their colleagues have no business in this army,” he says. “If that does not suit you, then get out. You may find another employer where your attitude and behavior is acceptable, but I doubt it.”
Morrison goes on to encourage soldiers who witness degradation or humiliation within their units to show moral courage and speak up.
“I will be ruthless in ridding the army of people who cannot stand up to its values,” he says. “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”
In the past weeks, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno has taken a more apologetic tack when answering for the Army’s sexual assault and harassment problem. He has said that leaders have failed to stamp out the scourge, and he and those under him take responsibility.
Morrison appears to be much more enthusiastic about holding his own soldiers’ feet to the flames. Which approach is more effective?
5 Comments
This guy demonstrates real leadership! Honor and respect to him. I wish our military would follow his example.
The gentleman that said leadership had failed to take a strong role in this is not only wrong, but looking for an appearance of innocence. The leadership was followed and had a very strong influence of indifference to this behavior! Why would the follower feel there is nothing wrong in following the example set before then.
Salute to LT GEN. Morrison. Your words, put simple and blunt, are what every military organization in the world should listen to. And you views should be followed by all, not just military.
As long as it is a DOUBLE-EDGED sword…which I doubt. He is talking ONLY to heterosexual males which is a huge mistake. heterosexual MEN will stop joining the military if they feel they are being singled out on this issue and women and gays are NOT held accountable for THEIR actions!
Zlotnik I disagree with your argument. I’m a hetero-sexual male and I am not perturbed from joining the army in light of Morrison’s comments. My main quarrel is with you trying to paint female and homosexual ADF members as the bad guys when there is no evidence that they are involved in this or any other incident. Show me evidence of misbehaviour on the part of women and ‘gays’, and then we’ll see if they’re really escaping accountability as you claim. If you’d be too scared to join the army because you’re afraid to be held to account when you’ve acted dishonourably, then as much as I don’t like this phrase, you should toughen up.