Meaning of Sharp Program

Introduction

The former Sergeant Major of the Army Dailey said: “Not in my squad,” but what about everyone else? Junior soldiers do not realize the influence they truly have on the military culture the moment they arrive at their unit. The SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) Program seeks to improve climate and culture as a means of prevention through leaders, especially junior Non-commissioned officers.

Meaning of the SHARP Program

In today’s Army, soldiers repeat SHARP training more times than they can probably count, yet we still see a rise in cases (Department of Defense, 2020). Since the initiation of the NIMS (Not In My Squad) campaign, there has been a significant focus on the prevention of sexual harassment and assault. The usual SHARP training received by soldiers is greatly focused on building awareness and reporting options for victims. However, the first NIMS workshop focused on three session topics: Identity, Climate, and Culture (Research Product 2018-08). The informational version of SHARP training we conduct in units currently robs soldiers of knowing just how much of an effect they really have on the culture within the Army, not just in positive ways but also in negative ones. This is evident as case numbers continue to rise annually.

The Persistent Challenge of Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault is not something that will vanish overnight. It is a deep-seated issue that persists when soldiers lack understanding of how their individual identity, perhaps even a simple inappropriate joke, can become counterproductive in the fight against Sexual Assault. A simple “joke” can undermine the culture we as an Army wish to build—one that excludes increases in Sexual Assault cases every fiscal year until now (Department of Defense, 2020)—and that is most certainly not funny. Being a bystander to sexual innuendos and inappropriate jokes quickly gives the impression that, as an Army, we still harbor tolerance for something we are obviously trying to eliminate. Just like America has a “Leniency Epidemic” (Smith & Jones, 2019), perhaps the Army does too in its own ways. It is the future non-commissioned officers and the soldiers further below them who carry the answers and the means to see a decline in sexual assault reports. It is not just junior non-commissioned officers and above who can sit through three sessions on how one’s identity can affect their work climate and eventually improve the military culture we have now.

Progress and Future Directions

One day, we will be further ahead as an Army than we are today, but regardless of that, and the way the statistics lean us, it is still a step in the right direction. The quantity of SHARP training we do yearly has certainly not led us astray. A huge issue, even within the civilian sector, is the fear that lies behind reporting sexual assault or sexual harassment. An increase in cases annually should not just be seen in a negative light; the fact is, our soldiers feel empowered enough to report due to training. Our Army culture is progressing in the correct direction if a soldier, who has just suffered something traumatizing, knows how to get the help they need and feels safe enough to file a report. Our average lower enlisted soldiers may not feel like they hold the power of change if they stop their fellow peers over the words they speak, but if they know right from wrong, maybe one day they will. Until that time, may they never hold their peace and always seek the help they need after any sexual assault incident they may experience.

Conclusion

While challenges remain, the Army's commitment to addressing sexual harassment and assault is evident. Through comprehensive training and a focus on identity, climate, and culture, we can foster an environment where every soldier feels responsible for contributing to a safer and more respectful military culture. The journey is long, but each step taken brings us closer to a future where sexual assault is significantly reduced.

References

Department of Defense. (2020). Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military.

Research Product 2018-08. (2018). NIMS Workshop Summary.

Smith, J., & Jones, A. (2019). A Study of Leniency Granted to Convicted Rapists in America and Australia.