I am confident it will provide the Secretary with a comprehensive report and a plan that augments our current efforts to eliminate domestic violence within the military. I also believe its findings will help in our national efforts to address domestic violence in our communities. The task force was established in October by the Fiscal 2000 National Defense Authorization Act. Members are charged with formulating a long-term, strategic plan that will assist the DoD in eliminating domestic violence within the Department. They will submit annual reports to the Secretary of Defense on their actions and the activities of the military departments to respond to domestic violence.
Domestic violence is an offense against our institutional values.
Clearly, DoD has made a substantial commitment of human resources and dollars over the past two decades to address domestic violence. However, like civilian communities, DoD can and should continue to improve its response to this national tragedy. Gen. Thomas J. Fiscus, deputy judge advocate general of the Air Force. Gen. Joseph Composto, staff judge advocate to the commandant of the United States Marine Corps. Gen. Leif H. Hendrickson, commanding general, Marine Corps Base Quantico.