“This program is unique, and I can say that as someone from outside your Army looking in,” Bell said. “It is working, and it is valued. The proof that people who implement it at all levels, you, are truly remarkable. Consistently you walk the fine balance of empathy and policy, of heart and head, and you work tirelessly to make our working environment better for all of us.” VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT BLISS, Texas — The 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss hosted the first U.S. Army Forces Command Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Program Training and Improvement Forum March 7-9.
The event, held at the Fort Bliss Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, brought together SHARP professionals from across FORSCOM.
“The 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss are proud to be the host of the first annual FORSCOM SHARP Program Training and Improvement Forum,” said David Reilly, 1st AD and Fort Bliss SHARP Program manager. “This PTIF was the first opportunity for SHARP professionals across the largest command in the Army to come together and reinforce the need for exceptional victim advocacy. We are here to enable FORSCOM to Lead the fight in the prevention and eradication of sexual harassment and sexual assault across the Army.”
The forum opened with remarks by Brig. Richard Bell, deputy commanding general of maneuver, 1st AD, during which, he highlighted the importance of the SHARP Program and those who run it.
“This program is unique, and I can say that as someone from outside your Army looking in,” Bell said. “It is working, and it is valued. The proof that people who implement it at all levels, you, are truly remarkable. Consistently you walk the fine balance of empathy and policy, of heart and head, and you work tirelessly to make our working environment better for all of us.”
According to Reilly, the SHARP Program is currently undergoing a transformation designed to increase the overall effectiveness of the program and care of victims.
Bill Mottley, the SHARP Program manager, FORSCOM G1, led several of the forum’s discussions over the three days. He highlighted that the mission of the SHARP program is to reduce incidents, increase reporting, and improve Soldier care.
“Taking care of people will help us achieve our mission,” Mottley said. “The SHARP Program Training and Improvement Forum brought professionals together from across FORSCOM’s 11 installations to get back to the basics of taking care of people.”
The forum’s schedule focused on a variety of topics that included refreshing the team’s advocacy skills, dissecting data to enhance case management, leveraging technology to assess compliance and sharing promising practices. Overall, the forum provided an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the SHARP professionals.
“The PTIF ensures we have the ‘SHARPest’ professionals available to help those hurt by sexual violence,” Mottley said.
At the completion of the forum Reilly felt the team met the desired outcome.
“This forum has reinforced the foundations of our program,” Reilly said. “All attendees contributed best practices from their individual installations, which will be used to develop a stronger SHARP program across the command.”
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