'Sex Signals' tour reaches military overseas

Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Spc. Brian Mitchell, from San Antonio, Texas, and Spc. Robert Nobles, from Chino, Calif., watch a skit demonstrating the awkwardness of dating during a Sex Signals tour, a unique approach to sexual assault awareness training, at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, March 15. "This was much livelier than any training I have been to before," said Mitchell. "I think this format gives people a better chance to relate." Throughout the class, the performers used military jargon, humor and situations. At times, they used controversial words and topics that kept attendees on the tips of their seats with the no-holds-barred advancement.  

CAMP AS SALIYAH, QATAR

03.15.2009

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – Service members found themselves highly entertained and enlightened while attending Sex Signals, a unique approach to sexual assault awareness training, at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, March 15. Two professional actors, both trained in sexual assault prevention and response, mixed improvisational comedy, education and audience interaction while touring U.S. military installations in Iraq, Qatar and Kuwait.

Amber Kelly, from Narragansett, R.I., and Kyle Terry, from Chicago, Ill., provided two 90-minute theatrical presentations that encouraged a lot of audience interaction while discussing the awkwardness of dating and gender-role stereotyping. Their comedic twist to routine military training succeeded at provoking discussions about dating, sex and the issue of consent. Expecting the usual format – slides and lectures – everyone was surprised by the new approach.

"This was much livelier than any training I have been to before," said U.S. Army Spc. Brian Mitchell, from San Antonio, Texas. "I think this format gives people a better chance to relate." Throughout the class, the performers used military jargon, humor and situations. At times, they used controversial words and topics that kept attendees on the tips of their seats with the no-holds-barred advancement. A more serious atmosphere took over as the presentation came to a close, focusing on avenues for reporting sexual assault and identifying possibly unsafe situations in social settings.

"Their approach made sexual assault training more informal and entertaining," said Spc. Robert Nobles, from Chino, Calif. "It definitely makes you think, more than reading a regulation." The program was created by Catharsis Productions for university and college students; it was recently adapted for military audiences.

"I don't think anyone expects to enjoy sexual assault training," said Terry, after the first session. "It's great getting everyone amped up enough to talk about the topic – after thinking it would be just another slide-based lecture."

• Date Taken: 03.15.2009
• Date Posted: 03.15.2009 09:48
• Story ID: 31138
• Location: CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA