How to Improve My Unit's Sharp Program

The Importance of SHARP Program in the Army

The Army began its Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assaults. The SHARP Program aims to achieve this by changing the culture through education and prevention. Despite the program being in place for years, there is still a sharp rise in military sexual assaults today. This indicates that current methods are not working efficiently, and we need to change the way we train to prevent these incidents in the future.

Challenges in Current SHARP Training

Currently, the Army mandates units to conduct annual face-to-face training using the Army Training Network’s approved Training Support Package. This annual training is highly structured with statistics and reporting information that all Soldiers need to know. The PowerPoint presentation and briefing remain the same every year, covering what is right and wrong, reporting options, and who to approach for help. However, it does not teach Soldiers who have never encountered such scenarios how to successfully intervene when faced with a situation. In a classroom setting, it’s easy to think, “If I see this happen, I’ll do this.” Yet, in real-life situations, many fail to act because they do not know how or lack the courage to do so.

Proposed Improvements for SHARP Training

To address this issue, we need to change how we present the material. Sitting in a classroom for two hours, clicking through a PowerPoint presentation by the same speaker each year, does not adequately teach Soldiers how to interact with victims or confront offenders appropriately. We need real scenarios for Soldiers to practice with. Soldiers must face individuals and learn how to respond to their words and actions effectively. Through role-playing various scenarios, Soldiers will gain the experience and confidence to quickly identify when someone needs help and step up to intervene.

One method for Soldiers to train with real scenarios is by using the Emergent Leader Immersive Training Environment (ELITE) program. ELITE is a simulation training platform that assists with real-life scenarios and interacting with victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault. This interactive experience will help Soldiers who have never personally encountered a SHARP victim learn what to do and say to them. Real scenarios can also help Soldiers gather their thoughts and courage on how to confront the perpetrator, which is equally important. Confronting the perpetrator may help prevent an already bad situation from escalating or occurring again.

The Role of Leadership in SHARP Program Success

Not only do Soldiers need to gain experience from role-playing scenarios, but leaders also need to be more engaged with their Soldiers. Good Soldier interaction, regardless of rank and age, will keep leaders informed about the Soldiers in their formations. Leaders should know Soldiers’ interests and personal goals, along with any issues they are experiencing. This level of personal investment signals to Soldiers that leaders care about them as individuals, not just as numbers that need to stay GREEN. Soldiers will then be more likely to approach leaders for assistance if issues arise. This is especially crucial for young Soldiers, aged 17-24, who are new to the Army environment and are at the highest risk of sexual assaults.

These new Soldiers, who are starting their adult lives in the “real world,” are looking to others to see what the expectations are. If they start their Army careers in a unit where hazing initiations are customary, with all unit leaders involved, they will not be able to trust anyone when these initiations cross the line. Sexual hazing is a form of harassment and can easily escalate into sexual assault. If these Soldiers have no one to turn to, they will not be productive to the unit due to their troubles. As leaders, we need to convey to these young Soldiers that sexual harassment and sexual assault are not the norm and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Creating a Safe Environment for Soldiers

If we provide them with a safe environment to succeed, they will achieve great things in the Army without worrying about issues that should not occur in the first place. With strong leadership, these young Soldiers will know when something is wrong and how to intervene properly. They will grow to recognize that they have the power to make a difference. This determination will stay with them throughout their Army careers. They will become strong leaders and impart that knowledge onto their young Soldiers. With each wave of new Soldiers, the unit will become strong enough to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault problems. This is how we change the Army culture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to reshape the Army culture to educate and prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault, we need to provide real SHARP scenarios and have strong leadership that is more engaged with Soldiers. Real SHARP scenarios and exercises will better prepare Soldiers when faced with real problems. Strong leadership engagement will make leaders more approachable and reliable when Soldiers need help. Strong leadership engagement will also aid in eradicating the issue since Soldiers will understand that such behavior will not be tolerated.

References

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