Is an assignment as a SHARP Officer a good choice?

SGT Victor Stark — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 10:20:38 -0400

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Aug 21 at 2018 10:23 AM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 10:23:51 -0400

What do you mean by SHARP officer? I'm only aware of SARCs (Sexual Assault Response Coordinators) and VAs (Victim Advocates). I know at company someone can only be a SHARP trainer. VA and SARC are at BN and BDE level and generally for those you have to be a NCO, officer or warrant officer.

Also I think everyone has to go to SHARP Academy for any training anymore to be a trainer, SARC or VA.

I was a company VA (when they still had them), then a BN SARC and then BDE SARC. I volunteered to do SHARP (and this was before the Academy). If you ever are a VA or SARC realize that if you get a case, that's your priority until it's resolved - and it's not easy. The things you will hear from victims are not for faint of heart. It's also extremely hard if a case is found unsubstantiated (which does not mean false) and you have to tell them that.

You should want to choose this position because you want to be an advocate for victims, to be their voice. That's why I wanted to do it. I didn't do it for promotion potential or assignments or any of that. I did it because I wanted to help soldiers who went through one of the most traumatic events you could experience and know they do have a voice. They have people who care because there was none of this when I first came in.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2018 10:24 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 10:24:27 -0400

Absolutely! This will teach you some great skills, look good on you as you promote up through the ranks, and broaden your knowledge about some of the challenges our soldiers face on a daily basis

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2018 10:40 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 10:40:37 -0400

Yes, it is a good way to diversify assignments and promotion potential.

Response by SGT Victor Stark made Aug 21 at 2018 1:12 PM

SGT Victor Stark — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 13:12:52 -0400

I have all the responses I need - thanks

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Aug 21 at 2018 5:12 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 17:12:35 -0400

It definitely won't hurt your career. It might be something that could make you sick to your stomach. I imagine that everything a victim advocate deals with is disgusting. Be it horrendous actions of perpetrators, having to tell people that their claims are unsubstantiated, these are things that can get to a person. Good luck with your possible assignment.