By Tiffany Williams –

On Thursday the Department of Defense on Thursday announced that the National Guard is instituting changes to better combat sexual assault and harassment in the ranks.

On Wednesday, Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson chief of the National Guard Bureau told the House Armed Services military personnel subcommittee that the Guard will emphasize prevention of the scourge moving forward.

“The women and men who serve in our formations, raised their right hands, took an oath to the Constitution, and stepped forward to fight our nation’s wars and serve our communities in times of crisis,” Hokanson said.

After taking over as the chief, Hokanson formed a task force to examine the situation in the organization. The members came from all 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia. Specifically, the task force looked at preventing sexual assault and suicide.