As a commander, your primary focus is the readiness and lethality of your unit, ensuring your units remain ready, capable, and prepared to execute the mission. The National Guard Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) supports that responsibility by helping leaders build strong, resilient formations.

The IPPW implements the Department of War strategy for integrated primary prevention. This approach focuses on stopping harmful behaviors before they occur. These behaviors include sexual assault, harassment, domestic abuse, child abuse, and self-directed harm.

Research shows many of these issues share common risk factors. By addressing those factors early, the IPPW helps strengthen command climate and reduce behaviors that can impact unit cohesion and performance.

The IPPW also helps commanders understand the health of their command climate through data. Multiple sources are used to assess trends and identify potential risk factors. These sources include administrative records, reports, interview data, focus group feedback, and survey data such as the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS).

Department of Defense Instruction 6400.11 outlines how the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce collaborates with leaders to analyze and interpret these data sets. This process helps identify risks, strengthen protective factors, and support prevention efforts across the force.

Through education, analysis, and direct leader support, the IPPW works alongside commanders to reinforce positive culture and strengthen unit cohesion.

The goal is simple. Equip leaders with the tools and information needed to build units grounded in trust, accountability, and professionalism. Strong formations lead to higher readiness and a force that remains trained, equipped, and prepared to respond when called.