In the fiscal year 2020, over 6,200 sexual harassment cases in the US army were reported. Under the Code of Military Justice, only 0.8% of the cases were convicted. Research by Rand Research shows one in every 16 women in the army experience sexual assault. Only one in every 143 men experiences the same form of assault. Through SHARP training, soldiers are made aware of the threats and risks of sexual assault. The program helps train soldiers to combat the vice and to have a cultural change. The program was integrated into the SAPR and POSH programs to provide all-rounded training.
About SHARP training
SHARP training is a reinforcement program aimed at helping soldiers end sexual harassment and assault. The program provides training for awareness, advocacy, prevention, reporting, and accountability. Before SHARP was formed, incidences of sexual assault in the army were rising significantly.
By the year 2000, about 23% of women soldiers were sexually assaulted by fellow soldiers. By the end of 2003, the numbers had risen to 28% of women reporting sexual assault. They suffered trauma and high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder. There was an urgent need to take quick action. In February 2004, the SAPR task force was formed. Its purpose was to review sexual assault reporting and address policies. Sexual harassment was cited as a key precursor to assault. Army leaders saw the need to train the army on preventive measures instead of relying on prosecutions only. The SAPR was integrated with the POSH program to create the SHARP program.
The army has developed strict policies for dealing with sexual assault and harassment incidents. Despite this, the incidences keep recurring and are a thorny issue in the army. The SHARP program was established to educate soldiers to eliminate the vice. This is one of the essay topics you can be assigned in school. To excel in college exams is important to keep learning from different sources. One of the sources is the 100% free army sharp essays on the WritingBros website. The free paper samples are useful for any level of a college education. From the knowledge gained from the essays, you can write any type of essay during your time at university.
Importance of the SHARP program
The importance of sharp training in the army cannot be underestimated. It renews the commitment of the soldiers to stop cases of sexual assault and harassment. The key importance of the program is the awareness it creates among the soldiers. It empowers them to make better decisions. Awareness creates confidence in the victims to speak out and communicate with confidence.
Another importance of the program is educating the army on preventive measures. This helps reduce the rate of sexual assault happening. Training helps provide relevant knowledge about the vice, its triggers, and overcoming it. Advocacy, on the other hand, helps with working with the soldiers to strengthen each other’s voices on the issue.
It also helps raise awareness, influences the development of policies, builds evidence, and encourages taking action. Reporting and accountability help empower victims more, keep records, and provide justice. Soldiers build stronger levels of integrity and engage their colleagues in constructive dialogue.
Importance of SHARP training to society
Compared to the early 2000s, the percentage of sexual crimes in the military has been reducing. Annual sexual assault statistics show that 1 in every 6 women in the US is likely to be raped. The number of men likely to suffer sexual assault is 1 in every 33 men. Military men and women often interact with society. They may interact with them while on duty, visiting relatives, or when on leave.
They can share the training they have received with members of society for awareness. Due to the training, they are less likely to assault civilians while on duty sexually. Although the training was created for the army, it can be replicated in society. A report by RAINN shows at least 26.4% of college females experience some sexual assault. This is against 6.8% of their male colleagues. Training similar to SHARP can be offered in schools and society. Sexual assault crimes are not just unique to the military. It is a societal problem that must be addressed conclusively.
How SHARP training affects the army
The SHARP academy, located in Fort Leavenworth, Kansa, offers full SHARP education, training, and development. It seeks to create a team of army people that is fully knowledgeable and informed. This kind of empowerment creates a conducive environment for prevention and quick response to all forms of sexual assault.
Since its launch in 2008, SHARP training’s effect on the army has been significant. Thousands of soldiers have benefited from specialty and initial military training. Servicemen at every level have received comprehensive training. They also receive annual refresher training that creates stronger support from the army.
To date, there has been a significant drop in reported cases of sexual assault. From the day they join, recruits are offered comprehensive training. 2021 recorded a 72% decrease in incidences compared to 2020. Recruits often fall victim, but the training gives them awareness within the first two weeks. The training has undergone major changes to improve it and provide a better experience.
There is no question about the effectiveness of the program since its launch. The act is heinous to the victims, but the program has helped reduce the issue. The problem is not fully solved, but every training provides significant solutions.
Conclusion
The SHARP program was formed by integrating the SAPR with the POSH programs. It aims to provide sexual harassment and assault training to soldiers at all ranks. The main goal of the training is to create a proactive effort to end the vice in all military ranks. The number of incidents has significantly reduced since the program was launched. It was created in 2004 but launched in 2008.
