The First Public Meeting of the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces was held on January 19, 2017 in Arlington, VA.

Arlington, VA -The first public meeting of the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces (“DAC-IPAD” or “the Committee”) was held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn-Ballston, Grand Ballroom, 4610 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203.

The Committee was established by the Secretary of Defense in February 2016 as required by section 546 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 and section 537 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. The Committee is tasked to advise the Secretary of Defense on the investigation, prosecution, and defense of allegations of rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct involving members of the Armed Forces based on its review of such cases on an ongoing basis.

At this initial meeting, the Committee received informational presentations on the court-martial process, recent legislation involving sexual assault in the U.S. military, and the two predecessor Department of Defense advisory committees on sexual assault: the Judicial Proceedings Since 2012 Amendments Panel and the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel. Following these briefings, the Committee held a planning session for Committee members to discuss the statutory tasking, topical priorities, and development of the Committee's strategic plan.

The Committee welcomed input from the public on these topics or other issues under its consideration.  Colonel (U.S. Air Force, Retired) Don Christensen, Protect Our Defenders provided a verbal comment.  Requests to make public comment, submission of written comments or materials, and any other inquiries may be directed to Ms. Julie Carson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (703) 693-3849.

This meeting was open to the public. Seating for the meeting was limited and available on a first-come basis.

More information about the Committee, including a registration form for providing public comment, meeting agenda, and materials for the meeting, is available on the DAC-IPAD’s website at http://dacipad.whs.mil. In the event the Office of Personnel Management closes the government due to inclement weather or for any other reason, please consult the DAC-IPAD website for any changes to public meeting dates or time.