10th AAMDC soldiers keep focus on SHARP lessons

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Zumer | Soldiers of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command gathered at Armstrong’s Club, Nov. 25, for a series of Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) discussions by numerous guest speakers. U.S. Army Col. Greg Brady, commander of the 10th AAMDC, welcomed those attending and noted the strong emphasis placed on the issue by the highest levels of the Department of Defense. Those adversely affected by the issues will continue to receive the help and assistance they need and deserve, and the culture change necessary to stamp out these lingering problems will take a team effort, said Brady. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Zumer, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command public affairs)  

KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, GERMANY

11.25.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. John Zumer 

10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – 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 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 U.S. Army 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 U.S. Army 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 Kaiserslautern Military Community 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,” U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Stegman said.

Stegman, the S3 planning noncommissioned officer in charge 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.

• Date Taken: 11.25.2013
• Date Posted: 11.27.2013 04:47
• Story ID: 117447
• Location: KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, DE