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People following the news for Army-related topics have plenty to choose from these days, with troop reductions, Afghanistan and the budget sequester only scratching the surface.
All of those issues can take a backseat, however, to the Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention emphasis, and several Kaiserslautern-based units continue to provide Soldiers with crucial training.
The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, along with the 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment and other smaller units, recently gathered senior leadership at respective sessions to discuss many SHARP-related issues.
Recent history, the path forward, the role of alcohol in assaults and victim’s rights were all prominent as leaders grappled with the unpleasant facts all military services confront. For one leader present, a business as usual approach won’t get the needed job done.
“Do we have the right training planned? Death by PowerPoint isn’t going to work,” said Col. Greg Brady, commander of the 10th AAMDC.
Key leaders at the seminars were briefed by local experts who handle SHARP issues in their daily jobs.
Professionals in the military police, social services and legal realms briefed the gathered Soldiers and Airmen on common sexual assault factors, victims seeking justice balanced against the rights of an alleged perpetrator and how victims attempt to put their lives back together, as hard as that may be.
The common perception that a predator leaps out of the bushes to attack a stranger was also debunked by the gathered experts, who cited the more likely scenario of a known acquaintance taking advantage of unsuspecting friends or
co-workers. Should a common recreational outlet also be present, the experts cautioned, the odds for an assault to occur increase significantly.
“Bad judgment doesn’t get better with alcohol,” said Lt. Col. Katherine Lehmann, an attorney with the U.S. Army Legal Services Agency, emphasizing the importance of being sober when out on the town or in private surroundings.
For the Soldiers and Airmen present, the seminars represented a chance to not only see how other services are tackling the SHARP dilemma, but how joint resources might be focused.
The old saying of “one team, one fight” certainly was relevant for many involved, with the KMC containing many military branches.
“It’s imperative that we get a joint perspective on the subject of sexual assault because it’s not only the Army’s top priority to stop sexual assault, it’s a priority of the other services as well,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Stegman.
Stegman, the S3 planning NCOIC for the 19th BCD, thought the daylong SHARP training was invaluable to those attending.
“The in-depth feedback, not only from our unit leaders, but also the feedback from the Air Force subject matter experts, will make our units better,” he said.
