Acting SECDEF memo creating new task force for Sen. McSally

Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan on March 27, 2019 created a new task force -- composed solely of government personnel -- to study sexual assault and ways to improve its handling under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The task force's report is due on April 30, 2019. The obvious purpose of this quick-turnaround safe internal task force is to secure the continued opposition of junior SASC member (and assault victim) Sen. Martha E. McSally to Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand's Military Justice Improvement Act. Excerpt from the Acting Secretary's memorandum:

I expect the SAAITF to identify, evaluate, and recommend immediate and significant actions to improve the accountability process, specific to the investigation and disposition of cases in which members of the Armed Forces are either victims or alleged offenders of sexual assault, while ensuring due process for both. Recommendations shall consider findings of similar previous reviews by experts internal and external to the Department, but must explore new opportunities to enhance the military justice system. 

The SAAITF will provide me an interim progress report and, not later than April 30, 2019, will provide a final report that captures key recommendations addressing the investigation and disposition of sexual assault, including potential changes to policy and/or law. The Department will submit a report to Senator McSally and other members of the Armed Services Committees, identifying the initiatives the Department will undertake based on the recommendations provided by the SAAITF.