SHARP: The Silent Killer Among America\u27s Strongest Men and Women

Abstract This paper investigates the concept of sexual harassment and assault prevention, examines recent examples in the United States Army, and discusses the potential to rid the service of this epidemic. The goal of this study is to determine the long-term impact of the US Army’s Sexual Harassment Response and Prevention (SHARP) program on individual and unit readiness in the United States Army. The author will analyze and discuss Army Regulation 600-20, the Army Command Policy that governs how sexual harassment and assault responses are handled within the military, as well as the SHARP program revisions and supporting policy. This research will identify the impact of these policies in assisting service members who have been victims of sexual assault or harassment, as well as the challenges that leaders may face while attempting to build cohesive units in the aftermath of these tragic events, by highlighting problems with previous policies and notable changes. According to the researcher, while changes to the SHARP policy are necessary and required to improve the current program, it is impossible to ignore the impact the previously flawed program has had on this organization. This study will include research from the Murray State University Library databases, as well as publications from the DoD and the US Army Publishing Directorate. Keywords: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR), Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP), Department of Defense (DoD), Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)