35th ADA Brigade cuts ribbon to new SHARP 360 facility

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Monik Phan | Soldiers from 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade observe a scene at the grand opening of the Sexual Harassment & Awareness Response Program (SHARP) 360 training facility Jan. 17, 2018, at Osan Air Base, South Korea. The 35th ADA BDE SHARP 360 training facility is an alternative method of teaching for Soldiers to learn about SHARP with realistic scenarios and hands-on experience.  

SOUTH KOREA

01.17.2018

Story by Capt. Jonathon Daniell 

35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea – Leaders and Soldiers from 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade opened the doors to the brigade’s new SHARP 360 training facility Jan. 17 at Osan Air Base, South Korea.

The dedicated rooms, outfitted to resemble a bar and a barracks room, provide Soldiers with an environment to learn techniques to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault incidents from occurring within their formations.

“The culmination of this training area is a testament to three months of tireless work by Mrs. White,” said Sgt. 1st Class Lee T. Watson, 35th ADA BDE sexual assault response coordinator. “These rooms will provide Soldiers with the necessary training to stop potential SHARP incidents instead of being another bystander.”

The grand opening started with a ceremonial ribbon cutting led by the 35th ADA Brigade leadership, followed by a short role-playing exercise, similar to the scenarios Soldiers would perform during their training.

SHARP 360 training adds layers of realism to better connect with young Soldiers. Instead of listening to a power point brief, Soldiers act out vignette-based scenarios they could experience during off-duty hours. Many of the settings involve drinking, which is one of the biggest contributors to sexual harassment and sexual assault, according to Mrs. Hyesuk White, the 35th ADA Brigade victim advocate.

White has served as the brigade victim advocate for more than four years and has routinely taught SHARP 360 classes at Camp Humphreys. So when the opportunity presented itself to construct a facility within the brigade headquarters, she quickly advocated for the space.

The brigade leadership fully supported the idea and reiterated the value of the facility during the opening.

“We understand the center of gravity within our formation is the barracks,” said Col. Richard W. Wright, 35th ADA Brigade commander. “So if we can provide a platform for Soldiers to learn intervention methods with SHARP 360, then they’ll be better prepared to prevent SHARP incidents from occurring.”

The 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment, building-mates with 35th ADA Brigade, will also use the facility, along with U.S. Air Force units assigned to Osan Air Base. The first class is scheduled for later this month.

“I believe this training works,” said Sgt. Hwa Kyung Chou, 35th ADA Brigade command team driver. “I believe it’s especially helpful for new Soldiers and Soldiers that are serving overseas for the first time.”

• Date Taken: 01.17.2018
• Date Posted: 01.22.2018 21:36
• Story ID: 262873
• Location: KR