Topic > How to Improve My Unit's Sharp Program

The Army initiated the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program to eliminate sexual harassment and assault. The SHARP Program seeks to do this by changing culture through education and prevention. The SHARP program has been around for years, but even today there is a sharp increase in sexual assaults by the military. This means that current methods do not work efficiently and we need to change the way we train to prevent this from happening in the future. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Currently, the Army tasks units with conducting annual in-person training using the Army Training Network-approved training support package. This annual in-person training is very structured with statistics and reporting information that all Soldiers need to know. The power point and briefing are the same every year. Training teaches us what is right and what is wrong, pointing out options and who to ask for help. However, it does not teach Soldiers who have never encountered this type of scenario how to successfully intervene when faced with the situation. It's easy to think while sitting in class “if I see this happening, I will do it.” When faced with a real situation, not many actually put their thoughts into action simply because they don't know how to do it or don't have the courage to do it. To solve this problem, we need to change the way we present material. Sitting in a classroom for two hours, flipping through a Power Point presentation by the same speaker every year, does not teach Soldiers how to interact with victims or how to deal with offenders appropriately. We need real scenarios for soldiers to practice with. Soldiers must confront someone and learn how to respond to that person's words and actions. As soldiers play through various scenarios, they will gain the experience and confidence to quickly identify when someone needs help and step forward to intervene. One way for Soldiers to train with real-world scenarios is to use the Emergent Leader Immersive Training Environment (ELITE) program. ELITE is a simulated training platform that assists with these real-life scenarios and interacts with victims of sexual harassment and assault. This interactive experience will help Soldiers who have never personally encountered a SHARP victim learn what to do and say to them. Real-life scenarios can also help soldiers gather thoughts and courage on how to confront the offender, which is equally important. Confronting the perpetrator can help prevent an already serious situation from escalating or recurring. Not only do Soldiers need to gain experience through role-playing scenarios, but leaders need to be more engaged with their Soldiers. Good interaction with soldiers, regardless of rank and age, will keep leaders informed about the type of soldiers in their formations. Leaders should know Soldiers' personal interests and goals, along with any problems they are experiencing. This level of personal concern lets Soldiers know that leaders care about them as people and not just a number that must remain GREEN. Soldiers will then be more likely to turn to leaders for assistance if they encounter problems. This is especially important for young soldiers, ages 17 to 24, who are new to the military environment and are at higher risk for sexual assault. These new soldiers who are starting their adult lives in the "real world" are trying to.