Pentagon: Our efforts are making progress

Our country is engaged in a national conversation about sexual assault — a problem with no single, easy solution. Last week, we re-affirmed our commitment to eliminating sexual assault by making public our progress to protect our men and women.

Your military is on the front lines of this battle, using sustained senior leadership focus to improve sexual assault prevention, response and adjudication. Evidence indicates our efforts are driving progress — while commanders remain accountable for justice decisions.

An independent RAND survey estimates 6,000 to 7,000 fewer servicemembers were sexually assaulted in 2014 than in 2012. Under-reporting, while still a problem, has lessened. Reporting rose the last two years by more than 50% since 2012. While reporting is up and incidents are down, the only acceptable number of sexual assaults is zero.

The department does not confuse progress with success. We have much more work to do. Survivors should never experience retaliation. Because we have not made progress here, Secretary Chuck Hagel approved two retaliation-targeted initiatives.

While some mistakenly believe that removing commanders from the justice system is a remedy, commanders need every tool available to advance a climate where victims can report free from reprisal. These initiatives will make commanders more accountable, as well as provide all in the command chain with skills to prevent retaliation.

Removing commanders is not a step in the right direction: This year, an independent, congressionally directed panel rejected taking commanders out of the legal process: There is no evidence that doing so would increase crime reporting or improve offender accountability.

In dismissing our progress, critics overlook growing evidence that we are finding solutions for the country. We are confident our comprehensive approach will someday have a greater national impact. We will continue to work as broadly and creatively as possible until we reach our goal of eliminating sexual assault in the military, but taking commanders out of the legal process is not the answer.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Snow is director of the Pentagon's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.