SHARP and EO

The US military is composed of personnel from all different diversities and beliefs, representing the United States of America. Even though we are very different individuals, we are united by our uniforms and our nation’s colors; due to this fact, there is a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment in the US military. In other words unprofessional, distasteful conduct, (especially sexual nature) toward another individual is seen as disrespectful and not tolerated at any level. Sexual harassment is considered as a type of sexual discrimination, of which is identified by three specific criteria—such behavior must: unwelcomed, sexual in nature and must occur or influence/impact the work environment. Sexual harassment can happen to anyone. It can be between members of the opposite sex or members of the same sex. Sexual harassment can derive from a large range of unwanted wrongful behaviors.

As for military service members, this includes any conduct during a 24-hour duty period. Such as but not limited to,sexual jokes,negative or derogatory comments, sexual innuendos in part, or completely. Also requesting sexual favors or repeatedly, aggressively asking a person out on a date as well as,telling rumors about a person’s personal or sexual life. These particular things are very inappropriate, in all work environments. Therefore complete respect for fellow soldier/sailor is vital. It is up to the military member to ensure that he or she establishes a professional and respectful relationship with their fellow counterparts.

Beginning in the 1990's, Sexual Harassment began to be addressed as a serious factor and the beginning stages of controlling the issue had begun. It was in the 1990's that polls were taken by civilians of military sexual assault that had gone unreported due to factors such as, fear for actions after a complaint and the simple task of filling that complaint. It was realized that 63% of sexual assault cases that were to occur in a combat zone and 54% that occurred on the grounds of a military establishment had gone unreported. This provided a reality check for those in command all over the military which lead to informational guidance for soldiers who have been or feel that they are in a position of sexual assault. In 2007 alone there was a report of over 2800 complaints filed in re guards to sexual harassment not only by women but many males as well. Many cases that occur are due to a power and control related issue, which is a major issue due to the structure of the military and how the ranks are ran. Every soldier has somebody who looks over them and informs them of all the task to be completed while on duty. This structure is a good way to manage control but with the growing sexual assault due to one having power over another, the ranks began to falter. Sexual harassment does not only pertain to soldiers that are of lesser rank but also every soldier in command and civilians that are involved with military personnel on a day bases. Changes that have accord over the past decade with the military, such as being a completely voluntary service, has began to cut back on the sexual assault and harassment issue. Soldiers in today's economy make their own decision to sign a contract which provides a team of soldiers that want to be in the military and due what they do on a daily basis. The long process of informing soldiers about sexual harassment and prevention had already begun to make an impact bu was till far away from being perfect. In 2008 the numbers of reported violations had dropped from more than 2800 to less than 2000, which is a major decrease over a span of one year. Even with the beginning of all programs such as SHARP and AAP, sexual assault will never be completely out of the ranks of the army. Without these programs, the rates may still be over the hill and virtually out of control but due to these programs, numbers decrease every day and complaints have become something of ease for soldiers. Sexual harassment is gender discrimination that pertains to unwanted sexual advancements, requesting for a sexual favor, and anything that is verbal or physical and contains sexual nature. This ranges from physically touching another that is offensive to them in any way to making a verbal remark with sexual connotations that is offensive to whom ever you are speaking to or other soldiers that over heard the statement. Statements that may not be meant to offend or sexually assault another can still be taken as sexual harassment by anyone that was to over hear it. The possibility to say something that is offensive to another is virtually endless because of the difference one person may take a joke from another. There is never a right opportunity to make a comment to another that is referring to sexuality to anything containing sexual nature. Sometimes people may think something in their head and that's where comments should stay.

The definition of Equal Opportunity is a descriptive term for an approach intended to provide a certain social environment in which ensure people are not excluded from the activities of society, such as education, employment, or health care, on the basis of immutable traits. Equal opportunity practices include measures taken by organizations to ensure fairness in the employment process. The Equal Opportunity program formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential and to ensure fair treatment for all persons based solely on merit, fitness, and capability in support of readiness. Equal Opportunity philosophy is based on fairness, justice, and equity. The U.S. Army will provide Equal Opportunity and fair treatment for military personnel and family members without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, and provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior.

The policy of the Army is that sexual harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. If there was not a policy in place I believe a lot of soldiers and their families would have a lot of problems with other soldiers doing what is wrong and immoral. Equal employment opportunity involves both workplace nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Equal opportunity has changed the way businesses and organizations recruit, hire, and even act in the working environment. These changes have been put in place due to the increasing numbers of women, people with different racial and ethnic backgrounds, persons of different ages, their able-bodiedness, and religion. In 1964 a change was brought about by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title seven of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was to enforce the constitutional right to vote, to confer jurisdiction upon the district courts of the United States to provide mental relief against discrimination in public accommodations

1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment has put out a memorandum to inform all company's within the Regiment of all rules to be followed in accordance with AR 600-20-7. This memorandum states that sexual harassment is unacceptable and will not, under any circumstance, be tolerated within the regiment from an IET soldier along with any Cadre member or DA civilian attached to the Triple Deuce. Many things may be faulted because of sexual harassment within a unit such as moral, teamwork, etc. If any of these important factors become a lower priority, the unit may slowly begin to decrease in its productivity and the mission at hand. Productivity and mission completion are a major part in combat readiness and without these, life's could be compromised due to a problem that could have been avoided.

Sexual harassment is an ongoing issue in the military, it is known to occur on a daily basis. As stated above you must be aware of your own situation, recognize the problem and fix it before becomes out of control. Hopefully with sexual harassment in the military being defined, some shared case studies and providing educational and training awareness, service members will be able to conduct themselves in a respectable manner.