A new \u201cReach Up\u201d function in the Guard mobile app now provides members an easy way to file complaints, even anonymously, the report noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Prior climate surveys also revealed a perception of unfairness related to position assignments and hiring practices, especially for women. But in his testimony before the House committee on Wednesday, Knight highlighted gender statistics in the report as \u201ca critical piece\u201d\u00a0 that showed some improvement in leadership assignments. He said it \u201creflects the direction of the National Guard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Knight told lawmakers that the Vermont Army National Guard was the first to open recruitment to women throughout the organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to the demographics Knight presented, women comprise 21.2% of assigned personnel and hold 23% of leadership positions. Additionally, two women are currently in training as F-35 fighter pilot candidates \u2014 a first, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was elected to this position, one of my primary focuses was on improving equitable opportunity in our organization,\u201d Knight said. \u201cWe are correcting literally centuries of combat arms being exclusively male occupations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Committee members said they thought the report made \u201cincredible strides\u201d and said they would welcome suggestions for specific legislative actions that could support the Guard.<\/p>\n
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