FORT KNOX, Ky. –
U.S. Army Recruiting Command is participating in the pilot program of the revised Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention program, set to launch Army-wide in fiscal 2022.
Currently, the SHARP program is undergoing an overhaul in its teaching structure and training format in preparation for a more leader-lead training that ditches three-hour long slide presentations in favor of a more modernized, flexible and time-efficient training for Army Soldiers and civilians.
"The training is now leader-led, and it's no longer by PowerPoint. This isn't a new training program; the material is the same. However, this new training format is a modernization of how we teach SHARP to Soldiers," Timothy Boyland, USAREC SHARP program manager, said.
Another critical difference between the old and new training regimes is how leaders can complete the SHARP classes. What was once a training that leaders penciled out hours in a day to achieve in one sitting can now be done within the span of weeks at the learner's personal convenience at a later date. Thus, giving leaders and Soldiers the leeway to not reach mental exhaustion from ongoing conversations about SHARP while also maintaining the modern-day busy Soldier's attention span.
No longer considered "touchpoints," the SHARP training program has been revamped into a five-module training format that promotes conversation within a small group structure and is geared not to be a simple drawn-out lecture. Furthermore, SHARP subject matter experts will no longer be the leaders of this training as an additional measurement to deter the class from turning into a lecture.
Still in the trial phase and slated to end mid-August, the pilot requires selected Army commands such as 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Headquarters element, and others to submit their feedback to the SHARP Academy. Administrative personnel will then review the comments and adjust the training to make it more effective for all. The revised SHARP program will take effect in FY22.
“Leaders at all levels need to take responsibility by educating themselves on the Army's standards toward sexual assault/harassment and take action when necessary, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston said. "We all have to [do our part] to make our Army better."