Why is SHARP important?

So you sit through what seems like two hours of SHARP powerpoint training each week, but why does it matter? Why is the Army’s SHARP program important? You can guarantee that at least one board member will ask you a question about SHARP that is scenario based or requires conceptual understanding of the program. By that I mean they are not going to simply ask you what AR you can find SHARP in (AR 600-20 btw).

So, why is SHARP important? SHARP is important because we are a professional Army. A professional Army has no place for sexual assault or harassment because it is morally wrong and negatively impacts mission readiness, teamwork, and unit morale. Let me say that again: “A professional Army has no place for sexual assault or harassment because it is morally wrong and negatively impacts mission readiness, teamwork, and unit morale.” 

Not only is it important to be able to eloquently speak the above statement, but you need to understand it as well. SFCs, 1SGs, and CSMs just have a way of probing board candidates to see if they understand the concept or just memorized something. Let’s break it down piece by piece:

A professional Army = We are paid for the job we do. Safeguarding each other, American interests, and the American people is not a job for criminals.

Morally wrong = Self-explanatory.

Negatively impacts mission readiness = If we are spending time as an Army addressing sexual harassment and assault, we are not training or improving ourselves to conduct our main mission of defeating America’s enemies in land combat.

Negatively impacts teamwork = How likely are you to work for someone who grabs you or demeans you in a sexual way? How likely are you to work for others who know this behavior goes on and does nothing to stop it?

Negatively impacts unit morale = Would you have high espirit de corps about your unit if you were known as the unit that has a culture of sexual assault and harassment? How likely would you be to recommend your unit to others or offer a good impression of it to civilians?

Not only is this information important for the board, but it is also important as a general Soldier. Please pass along and share!