The U.S. Department of Defense recently initiated the 2023 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey with the purpose of gathering important feedback from military service members. The survey aims to improve the department’s efforts to combat sexual assault, harassment and gender discrimination within the armed forces, according to an Aug. 28 news release.
"Feedback from service members is essential as we continue the administration's and Secretary Austin's unprecedented efforts to combat sexual assault, sexual harassment and other harmful behaviors that detract from our readiness," Executive Director of Force Resiliency Elizabeth Foster said in the release.
Approximately one million Service members have been randomly chosen for participation, making up about half of the total active-duty and Reserve forces. The selection includes around 771,000 active-duty personnel across various branches and approximately 260,000 members of the National Guard and Reserve components, the release reported.
The survey, which opened July 31, aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the extent of sexual misconduct and gender discrimination within the military ranks, according to the release.
Participants have the option to either complete a full survey, which takes about 15 minutes, or an abbreviated version consisting of 10 questions that can be completed in approximately five minutes, the release said. The objective is to make the survey as accessible as possible for all service members.
"All eligible survey participants are below the rank of general or admiral," according to the release. "Again, the survey is voluntary; there will be no repercussions if you opt not to take it."
The DOD is committed to taking action based on the survey’s results, which are expected to be publicly released in the spring of 2024. The data will then be sent to relevant DOD policy offices, military leadership and Congress, affirming the survey's crucial role in influencing future policy and initiatives related to sexual misconduct and gender discrimination within the armed forces, the release reported.
