POGO Applauds Change in Leadership at Pentagon Sexual Assault Prevention Program

Statement of Danielle Brian, Executive Director, Project On Government Oversight:

Today’s announcement that the Department of Defense will soon have new leadership at their Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office is welcome news. Maj. Gen. Gary Patton was not the right person to lead this important program and his retirement is the first step in restoring credibility to the Pentagon’s promise of reducing sexual assaults in the military.

The Project On Government Oversight called for Patton’s removal because of his documented history of intimidating whistleblowers. The DoD Inspector General found that Patton violated the Military Whistleblower Protection Act.

Victims of sexual assault in the military who come forward are some of our bravest, most traumatized whistleblowers. They deserve an advocate who is fully committed to bringing wrongdoers to justice.

Follow the link to read POGO’s letter to Secretary Hagel asking for Patton's termination.