First Army brigades SHARPen the edge

FORT BLISS, Texas -- Two First Army Division West brigades conducted Senior Leader Sexual Harassment and Response Program training here recently to provide the most up-to-date information to the brigades.

The 5th Armored and 402nd Field Artillery brigades, which are comprised of Active Component and Reserve Component units, are in a transition process that will allow them to continue supporting the Army Chief of Staff's Army Total Force Policy. This was the first time for the brigades' SHARP program to start movement toward the combining of forces.

Leaders were updated with policy changes within the Army SHARP program and Fort Bliss policies. The SHARP leaders coordinated with the Fort Bliss Special Victim Counsel and Garrison SHARP program to provide information at the senior leader level on SHARP.

"It was interesting to see what the higher ranking senior leaders did and didn't know, for example, brigade commanders down to the company level," said Capt. Jaime Rodriguez, 5th AR observer-coach/trainer.

Guest speakers included Kimberly Cook-McDaniel, Fort Bliss Garrison SHARP Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, who helped implement Sexual Assault procedures when SHARP was first introduced in Fort Bliss. She provided valuable feedback and insight to all the Senior Leaders and SHARP/VA's in attendance.

"It was interesting to see what the higher ranking senior leaders did and didn't know, for example, brigade commanders down to the company level," said Capt. Jaime Rodriguez, 5th AR observer-coach/trainer.

Guest speakers included Kimberly Cook-McDaniel, Fort Bliss Garrison SHARP Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, who helped implement Sexual Assault procedures when SHARP was first introduced in Fort Bliss. She provided valuable feedback and insight to all the Senior Leaders and SHARP/VA's in attendance.

"We should remember that alleged offenders are still our Soldiers, they are still Soldiers who also have rights and should be treated fairly." said Cook-McDaniel.

Other individuals complimented on Cook-McDaniel's value and knowledge of SHARP and other aligned programs.

"Ms. Cook-McDaniel is one of the most valuable assets Fort Bliss leaders and Soldiers currently have," said Sgt. 1st Class Gina Nieto, 5th AR SARC.

Capt. Marlena Ragland and Capt. Sophia Hildreth, Fort Bliss Special Victim Counsels, were among other post assets that were included in the day's training. Ragland took the opportunity to introduce them, and explain their role when responding to a sexual assault case.

"We're here to ensure the process is less painful and work hand-in-hand with the victim advocates," said Ragland.

The leaders provided input and asked detailed questions on the latest changes. With the guest speakers having a full schedule, the leaders were grateful they could take some time to visit our units and speak to the senior leaders.

"The training was an eye opener for senior leaders on current policies and procedures dealing with the SHARP Program," said Master Sgt. Ernest Gonzalez, incoming 5th AR Headquarters and Headquarters Company first sergeant.