Army SHARP Program Essay Example

What is Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)? In this essay, we will be addressing the Army’s SHARP program as well as all the steps we can take together to reduce sexual harassment and assault in the Army. As we have seen from statistics and surveys, reports of sexual assault have continued to increase drastically in recent years. Our main goal as an organization is to tackle the grey areas of sexual violence from the roots and solve the ongoing issue. Cases of sexual harassment and assault continue to take place in the army, despite all the training and education that takes place, because of the lack of repercussions.

One of the biggest issues with sexual assault and a reason it is continuing to occur in the military is due to mismanagement. Despite all the training and resources, the military dedicates to defeating this issue, cases are still evolving by the day. Surveys taken anonymously by service members from the Department of Defense have shown that in the 2018 fiscal year alone, there were over 20,000 reported cases1. This represents an all-time high from the previous four years and there have been over 5,000 more cases since 2016. The numbers gathered through these anonymous surveys and reports only make up for so much of the total percentages. This doesn’t even include the unknown number of cases that were never reported. This survey includes cases that have been mismanaged and fell short of finding justice for victims.

 After a recent investigation into a sexual assault case that occurred in 2018, the Army failed to follow regulations and care for the victims of sexual assault. Specialist Joachimstaler was retaliated against by her fellow leaders after witnessing a soldier being harassed and trying to intervene. Further investigation into this case resulted in only minor punishment for those responsible and investigators failed to follow Army regulations2. This is a prime example of how predators are not facing the proper repercussions.

Investigations being approached and treated as poorly as Specialist Joachimstaler reflects a pattern and creates an environment in which perpetrators are not held accountable. As a result, abusers feel that their behavior is the acceptable norm. To end sexual assault and harassment, we must come together as a team. As Brigette Mccoy wisely stated, “let's not just pluck a few leaves and trim the branch. Let's deal with this from the roots.”3. One voice can make a difference in sexual assault and harassment. Sergeants need to have their Soldier’s backs and help eliminate sexual violence in the Army. Sergeants must be that loud echo of Soldiers’ voices to prevent and stop future acts of sexual violence before they happen. It is the main goal among Sergeants and leaders to take the time to talk with soldiers and educate them on the resources available for preventing sexual violence. Sergeants must not only lead by example but ensure that all Soldiers are safe in and out of uniform.

 The Army has worked hard to raise awareness about these issues. We need to take a huge step in acting towards the solution, especially with our structurally flawed SHARP program2. No soldier should ever have to be afraid to speak up or step up. The responsibility of Sergeants is to take these preventative programs and not only spread the knowledge but improve them every step of the way. Not only should every soldier be knowledgeable about the resources, but Sergeants all over should be advocates for the SHARP programs. The more resources we have, the more drastically we will see a drop off in sexual violence across the Army.