NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- Marine Administration Message 288/14 announced the start of new annual sexual assault and prevention training. The training, called “Step Up”, will be taught to all active and Reserve Marines holding the rank privates through lance corporal starting July 28, 2014. The aim of the program is to inform and teach Marines that it is their job to step up and put a stop to all sexual assault.
These Marines will use this program to complete their annual sexual assault training requirement. Those who have completed the annual requirement for fiscal year 2014 will not be required to complete the program until next year.
Participants in the program will also be asked to complete an online survey prior to training from June 11, 2014 to July 25, 2014 and one after training the following year. The survey will be used to assess the effectiveness and provide feedback to the program developers.
Uniform Victim Advocates will be the only personnel authorized to conduct this training. The UVAs will focus on small groups to promote discussion about the sensitive topic. All UVAs are required to undergo a training session before conducting the training themselves.
At the end of the training, units will be required to submit a report of completion. They will do so through the Marine Corps Total Force System.
For more information on the “Step Up” program and reporting procedures, see MARADMIN 288/14.