Overview

Across the Army, at all levels, leaders are urged to step up, model behaviors and attitudes that make a difference, ensure a safe reporting and response system, and make sure that they and their troops are fully trained and informed about sexual harassment and sexual assault. They are expected to operationalize sexual assault prevention and response along five lines of effort--prevention, investigation, accountability, advocacy, and assessment--into their daily routines, aligned with five overarching tenets-leadership, communication, culture/environment, integration, and resourcing.

Lasting cultural change in the Army can be achieved only by leaders who drive such a change. In a world of complex challenges, long hours, and competing requirements, leaders more than ever must be able to discern what is important, what is required, and what distinguishes service in the U.S. Army as a profession.

Prevention of sexual assault is the Secretary of the Army's number one priority. Every day around the world, the overwhelming majority of Soldiers and Army Civilians honorably and capably meet the standards embodied in our Army Values. Offenses by a few, however, erode the trust that has been the hallmark of our success. Sexual assault is a crime, and cannot be tolerated by leaders at any level. The Army Secretary has made it clear in no uncertain terms that leaders have an obligation to safeguard America's sons and daughters, as well as maintain trust between Soldiers, Civilians, Families and the Nation.

As a result, the Chief of Staff of the Army issued 5 Imperatives and the SHARP Top 10 as a directive to all leaders. The CSA's 5 Imperatives are to shape the way the Army frames sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention and response challenges. Each is in alignment with the 2013 DoD SAPR Strategic Plan and drives Army actions.

The CSA's SHARP Top 10 is a summary of the Army's collective efforts and are intended to further individuals' and leaders' understanding and guide leader actions.

All Army leaders should be familiar with and have a plan of action to carry out the CSA's guidance.

The Chief of Staff of the Army's 5 Imperatives

The Chief of Staff of the Army established five imperatives to shape the way the Army frames this challenge and drive our actions. They are as follows:

1. Prevent offenders from committing crimes; provide compassionate care for victims; and protect rights and privacy of survivors.
2. Thoroughly and professionally investigate every allegation and take appropriate action.
3. Create a positive climate and environment of trust and respect in which every person can thrive and achieve their full potential.
4. Hold individuals, units and organizations, and commanders appropriately accountable.
5. Chain of command must be fully engaged - they are centrally responsible and accountable for solving the problems of sexual assault and sexual harassment within the ranks and restoring the trust of our Soldiers, Civilians, and Families.

SHARP Top 10

The CSA has also employed the SHARP Top 10 that are to be turned into leader actions:

1. Sexual assault and sexual harassment represents an insider threat with the potential to cause significant, irreparable harm to the Army.
2. The Army profession demands leaders of high competence and high character.
3. Standards and discipline are the cornerstones of unit climate
4. We must have consistency in the application of all policies.
5. We need to see ourselves; leaders must continually assess their environment.
6. Execute prevention, policy, training and education actions to get to the left of the incident
7. Obligation to protect and be advocates for victims, starting with the initial report until no longer required by the victim.
8. Professionally investigate each report and take appropriate action.
9. Create and maintain a positive command climate with trust and respect as the foundation.
10. This can only be solved by a committed chain of command led by commanders and command sergeants major.