Relationships Under Investigation at SAFB
By: Ryan Robertson
Updated: October 10, 2012
The investigation was launched by General Edward Rice, Jr., the Commander of Air Education and Training, after reports of sexual misconduct and abuse at Lackland Air Force Base earlier this year.
Major General Margaret Woodward was chosen to head the investigation, which took 2 months and around 20,000 man hours to complete.
Investigators interviewed more than 200 individuals in the Air Force, from students to Commanders to Training Instructors.
As far as Sheppard Air Force Base is concerned, Base officials reported there are no court-martials planned or ongoing based on the investigation's findings.
However, officials are looking into two possible cases of un-professional relationships at Sheppard.
Officials said if those incidents turn out to be more than just allegations, the Air Force will move swiftly to deal with those involved.
It is important to note that an un-professional relationship is not the same as a case of sexual misconduct.
According to George Woodward with Sheppard's Public Affairs Office, an unprofessional relationship is defined as any relationship between a faculty or staff member and a trainee or student which is prejudicial to good order and discipline.
For example, a text messaging relationship, a platonic friendship, or a consensual sexual relationship.
Basically, anything which would create an appearance of favoritism.
Again, the two incidents being looked into at Sheppard would fall under this category, not under a sexual misconduct or abuse category.
We will continue to follow this story, and bring you more details as they become available.
Major General Margaret Woodward was chosen to head the investigation, which took 2 months and around 20,000 man hours to complete.
Investigators interviewed more than 200 individuals in the Air Force, from students to Commanders to Training Instructors.
As far as Sheppard Air Force Base is concerned, Base officials reported there are no court-martials planned or ongoing based on the investigation's findings.
However, officials are looking into two possible cases of un-professional relationships at Sheppard.
Officials said if those incidents turn out to be more than just allegations, the Air Force will move swiftly to deal with those involved.
It is important to note that an un-professional relationship is not the same as a case of sexual misconduct.
According to George Woodward with Sheppard's Public Affairs Office, an unprofessional relationship is defined as any relationship between a faculty or staff member and a trainee or student which is prejudicial to good order and discipline.
For example, a text messaging relationship, a platonic friendship, or a consensual sexual relationship.
Basically, anything which would create an appearance of favoritism.
Again, the two incidents being looked into at Sheppard would fall under this category, not under a sexual misconduct or abuse category.
We will continue to follow this story, and bring you more details as they become available.
