Fort Riley
The 1st Infantry Division reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and trust during a proclamation signing recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) on April 8, 2025. Soldiers, Civilians, and Family Members gathered at Fort Riley as division leaders emphasized the importance of prevention, accountability, and cohesive teams built on trust.
During the event, leaders underscored that sexual harassment and sexual assault have no place in the Army and directly undermine readiness. They highlighted that trust—within squads, crews, and between leaders and subordinates—is essential to the division’s warfighting mission. Sexual misconduct fractures teams, degrades readiness, and erodes the disciplined foundation required to fight and win.
Maj. Gen. Monté L. Rone, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, reinforced the division’s commitment to prevention-focused leadership. “Every member of this formation deserves an environment where they are safe, respected, and valued,” Rone said. “Prevention is not a slogan—it is a responsibility we carry every day as teammates and leaders.”
This year’s SAAPM theme, “Step Forward. Prevent. Report. Advocate.”, calls on the entire community to take deliberate action. Leaders encouraged Soldiers to intervene early, look out for one another, and never remain silent. Civilians and Families were urged to stay engaged and speak up, reinforcing that preventing sexual misconduct is a shared responsibility.
The proclamation also recognized the vital work of Sexual Assault Response Coordinators, Victim Advocates, and SHARP professionals who stand ready to support the force. Their efforts, combined with ongoing training—including SHARP instruction embedded into Victory Reception—strengthen the division’s commitment to eliminating harmful behaviors.