Posted on Dec 19, 2014
Should Soldiers (E?-E5) be able to become SHARP Representatives?
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A few years ago I encountered an amazing SFC back in S. Korea who was a SHARP Representative and she was very influential and after meeting her I really wanted to do my part by becoming a SHARP Rep. as well. The kicker, I'm only a Sgt. I was told that even though I am a Sgt. I could receive a 'waiver'. I haven't quiet asked my chain if I could qualify but I find it unfair because I am not a Staff Sgt. I am not automatically able to become a SHARP Rep.
I understand that a Staff Sgt. holds the rank and experience in the military and is upheld as a higher leadership ranking position, but regardless of my rank I personally believe I hold the passion and capability of being a great SHARP Rep. I say this more because I too was once a Sexual Assault victim (not in the military) and I find that my experience could help many.
I am curious, should becoming a SHARP Representative position be open to all ranks?
I understand that a Staff Sgt. holds the rank and experience in the military and is upheld as a higher leadership ranking position, but regardless of my rank I personally believe I hold the passion and capability of being a great SHARP Rep. I say this more because I too was once a Sexual Assault victim (not in the military) and I find that my experience could help many.
I am curious, should becoming a SHARP Representative position be open to all ranks?
SHARP
Sexual Assault
Junior Enlisted
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 1
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SGT Zila Winstead I think that as a rule they have E-6 and above for enlisted and 1LT and above for officers as the lower ranks are still trying to learn their jobs. I know as a 2LT I was at training then learning my platoon. Adding an additional duty (to all the other ones I got) would have made it more difficult, particularly if I started receiving cases. I think it is more about professional development and growth. I never heard of the waiver part for E-5. I do think that there are always an exception to the rule when it comes to rank requirement as you might be ready, able, and willing, but I think most of the others should focus on developing themselves as leaders first before trying to add another skill. Just my thoughts on why they picked the ranks they did.
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SGT Zila Winstead
That is a very great point sir, but I have found that many of us, definitely including myself, we are put in place of positions where there is honestly not much else that we can do. I find that as a failure, for example, I am the Division videographer and yes I have filmed news stories, more during deployment but when I am back in the rear I have no soldiers nor do I really have much of a job to do. Just self-development and even with that there is restriction. I guess at the end of the day, it is an opinion on myself.
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LTC (Join to see)
Unfortunately there tends to be "the forgotten" that are small specialties or sections that leaders taken for granted and neglect. There also are some who miss the purpose of leadership is to lead and develop others. I understand your frustration. I hope that they grant you that waiver.
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