RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said ending the "global scourge" known as human trafficking is an important policy priority for the United States.
The U.S. Senate underscored the seriousness of modern slavery by passing a resolution in 2007 that marked Jan. 11 as a day of awareness for the millions of victims of this pervasive crime, the second-largest criminal industry in the world.
The Department of Defense also recognizes the gravity of human trafficking, mandating Trafficking in Persons Awareness training in 2004; TIP Awareness is now an annual ancillary training course for all Airmen.
"It's all about awareness," said Mance Clark, installation antiterrorism force protection officer. "This training makes military members aware that these things are out there so they don't become a victim and that, if they see it, they identify it and report it."
The United Nations defines human trafficking as the "recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons ... by means of threats, the use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse or exploitation." According to the U.S. Department of State's 10th annual Trafficking in Persons Report released last year, the major forms of human trafficking include forced labor, sex trafficking, bonded labor, debt bondage among migrant laborers, involuntary domestic servitude, forced child labor, child soldiers and child sex trafficking.
Mr. Clark said many people don't see human trafficking as a domestic problem, but victims of the crime are present in numerous communities, whether they're working as housekeepers, in agricultural fields or in massage parlors and strip clubs.
"If you're at an establishment and you think illegal activity is going on, you are encouraged to report it," he said.
In addition, victims do not always come from other countries; they may be citizens of the country where they are enslaved, often minors who are runaways or were abducted. The overwhelming majority of human trafficking victims are female, an estimated 80 percent, and more than 50 percent are children.
Mr. Clark said it is not uncommon for American females to be abducted and transported to other countries for sexual servitude; they may also be at risk when traveling abroad.
"When you are traveling, you need to have a plan and be aware of the things you could be exposed to," he said. "You should make sure that loved ones know where you are at all times."
Mr. Clark said bars are among the places where women should be especially vigilant. The possibility of abduction is there if they let their guard down, such as accepting a drink from a stranger or returning to finish a drink.
"You can't be naïve abroad or at home," he said. "You have to understand that there are people who will take advantage of you if given the opportunity."
Mr. Clark said TIP Awareness training is worth the effort even if many people never encounter a situation involving human trafficking.
"There may be one situation where awareness is useful," he said. "You can't put a price tag on the effect of that training."
Mr. Clark said the training is especially important for young Airmen.
"We have to instill in them the pitfalls of these various scenarios," he said. "They need to report any illegal activity they suspect so we can eliminate it."
The United States is not considered a human trafficking "hot spot," unlike many countries in Africa and southern Asia, but servicemembers may find themselves in those places, Mr. Clark said.
"As deployed members, they could end up in one of those hot spots," he said. "Awareness could pay dividends in those situations."