FAQs

The Department of Defense is using integrated primary prevention to prevent multiple harmful behaviors–including sexual assault, harassment, domestic abuse, child abuse, and suicide. Research shows these behaviors share similar risk factors. By focusing on shared factors, the Department’s approach will foster healthier command climates, leading to enhanced readiness and a greater ability for Service members to execute critical missions. To learn more about the Department’s integrated prevention strategy, review the DoD Prevention Plan of Action 2.0.

A culture of prevention refers to the organization’s readiness to address harmful behaviors through a preventive rather than reactive approach. Leaders can promote a culture of prevention by fostering a community of practice that encourages healthy habits, empathy, communication, and help-seeking; and cultivating the values of inclusivity, connectedness, dignity, and respect while enhancing access, equity, rights, and engagement.

Harmful behaviors include sexual assault, harassment, retaliation, domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, and suicide.

Risk factors increase the likelihood of self-directed harm and harm directed towards others.
Isolation, continuous high op-tempo, and lack of safe leisure options are a few examples of risk factors. 

Protective factors decrease the likelihood of harmful behaviors and increase an individual’s ability to thrive in all aspects of life.
Inclusion, greater access to resources, and financial literacy are a few examples of protective factors.

The Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) works with leaders to build healthy climates and
create environments free from abuse and harm. Specific roles and responsibilities vary by the individual's location and echelon. Some examples of daily activities are available in the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce Daily Activities overview. 

Prevention activities will vary depending on the local needs and environment. Prevention activities are selected based on research evidence that these activities can decrease risk factors or increase protective factors, and that any  positive effects are sustainable over time. Some examples of prevention activities include:
- Life skill development and resistance to peer pressure
- Problem-solving skills
- Healthy relationship programs
- Strengthening access to financial support 

Service members need to respect and trust one another to successfully complete their mission. Several of the shared risk factors and protective factors across multiple harmful behaviors are associated with command climate. By identifying command climate issues and creating prevention-based activities to improve areas of concern, we will enhance Force resilience and readiness.  

The Department measures command climate using a variety data, including administrative records, reports, interview data, focus group data, and survey data such as the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS). The DoD Integrated Primary Prevention Policy for Prevention Workforce and Leaders outlines how the integrated primary prevention workforce will collaborate with leaders to incorporate and interpret these various data sets to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors, promoting healthier climates across the Force.

Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce positions are open to the public and available at multiple levels (GS 9 -15) at military installations around the world. A variety of in-person, remote, and hybrid positions are available. 

How to apply:

1. Go to www.USAJOBS.gov
2. Search for "Integrated Primary Prevention"
3. Find civilian positions across multiple locations, Military Services, and levels of experience. 
4. Apply if you qualify