CLEAR Challenge

A member from the 19th Comptroller Squadron guides a blindfolded teammate to safely navigate through a path April 27, 2018, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. This course demonstrates how all Airmen are each other’s Wingman and should help guide one another through difficult decisions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Regina Edwards)

CLEAR Challenge

The 19th Airlift Wing Command Post team carries a teammate to demonstrate support during the CLEAR Challenge April 27, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The goal of the CLEAR Challenge goal is to strengthen commitments to actively support a climate of dignity and respect, recognize and embrace the values and contributions of all members, and have some fun along the way. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Regina Edwards)

CLEAR Challenge

The 19th Comptroller Squadron team experienced what it’s like to drive under the influence of an alcohol substance April 27, 2018, at Little Rock Air Force Base Ark. The team had to ride around the tennis court with vision-impairing goggles without bumping into anything as their teammates guided them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Regina Edwards)

CLEAR Challenge

The 19th Airlift Wing’s legal office won first place with a time of 16:48 during the CLEAR Challenge April 27, 2018, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The challenge is a course that tests participants physically and mentally in which every element symbolizes the effects of alcohol or sexual assault. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Regina Edwards)

Protecting our people protects our mission

Published May 8, 2018
By Linda Benjamin, Sexual Assault Coordinator
19th Airlift Wing Sexual Response and Prevention Program

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --

April is recognized by both military and civilian communities as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

The campaign provides communities an opportunity to continue improving outreach and support to victims as well as expanding prevention efforts in the fight against sexual assault.

The Little Rock Air Force Base Sexual Assault Prevention & Response team, in partnership with the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment Program and the Drug Demand Reduction Program, held the first Courage, Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Respect challenge April 27, 2018.

The CLEAR challenge originated at Hurlburt Field, Florida in April 2013 and has expanded to installations across the force.

The challenge is a course which tests participants physically and mentally in which every element symbolizes the effects of alcohol or sexual assault. Every team member has a specific purpose in the group. For example, one team member was chosen to wear a weighted vest throughout the course symbolizing the unseen burden a victim of sexual assault carries and how it affects the mission and other team members. Another team member was chosen to wear a pair of drunk goggles throughout the course symbolizing having to look after an impaired wingman and how it affects everyone.

Did you know victims of sexual abuse are three times more likely than the average person to suffer from depression and six times more likely to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? Some sexual assault victims try to cope with traumatic memories and unwanted anxiety or depression through substance abuse. Some studies report that sexual abuse victims are 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs than those who have not been sexually abused.

Our goal with the CLEAR challenge was to strengthen commitments to actively support a climate of dignity and respect, recognize and embrace the values and contributions of all members, and have some fun along the way!

The Air Force is a family. Respecting each other, protecting our Wingman, and upholding the Core Values are top priorities in the Air Force and on Little Rock AFB.

There are numerous helping agencies and programs on every Air Force installation to provide care and support. Together, we can eliminate sexual assault and substance abuse from our communities. Contact the SAPR office at (501)987-7272 for 24/7 assistance. Another great resource is Airmen Against Drunk Driving at (501)-987-2233.