Sexual assault prevention expert gets high-altitude view of cadet leadership

  • Published
  • By Madison Harrington
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  A global expert on sexual assault prevention got a close look at the Academy's Airmanship Program when she flew in a TG-16A Sailplane here August 5.

Anne Munch, the owner of Anne Munch Consulting, Inc., is an internationally-recognized expert on sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. She's also a former prosecutor for the Denver District Attorney's Office and helped develop the Air Force's Bystander Intervention program to prevent sexual assault.

Munch has visited the Academy before to discuss sexual assault response and prevention with cadets and staff.

"The purpose of my visit was to see how the Airmanship Programs help develop cadets into leaders, since I've had a hand in their growth in the sexual assault prevention and response lane," she said after the flight. "The cadet leadership of the program is impressive."   

The Academy offers a variety of flying programs under the direction of Air Education and Training Command (at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas) and in coordination with the Academy's commandant of cadets. Airmanship programs are part of each cadet's course of study and provide flying and parachuting experiences to enhance a cadet's education. The program offers basic and advanced instruction in sailplanes, powered flight and parachuting.

The sailplane was controlled by Cadet 2nd Class Chris Masi after it was released 6,000 feet above the Academy airfield.

"We completed multiple loops, spiral dives and stalls to demonstrate the capabilities and flight characteristics of the TG-16A," Masi said. "It was an honor to be able to fly with such a prestigious individual and I hope she enjoyed the flight as much as I did."

Munch said spending time with cadets allows her to interact with the very people who will one day be leaders in the fight against sexual assault. 

"Helping the Academy address sexual assault prevention and response is one of the greatest honors of my career," she said. "By understanding how cadets work together, I am more able to deliver a personal message. This flight helped me better understand how enhancing cadets' leadership roles results in promoting a culture of commitment and a climate of respect for all."  

Munch's last visit to the Academy took place Jan. 15 when she spoke to senior leaders about the "unnamed conspirator," a collection of myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual assault.

Visit www.usafa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123437336 to see the report on Munch's January visit.