Much of the Army’s success owes to its dynamic cultural diversity and unity. One thing is clear within the Army – there are no excuses for sexual assault. There are no excuses for discrimination due to race, gender, or place of origin, and there are no excuses for unfair practices that result from such discrimination. Nevertheless, these issues persist today (not just in the Army, but in society itself as well). Sometimes it is due to a lack of exposure or awareness. Sometimes it is due to a lack of understanding. Sometimes it is neither.
In a bid for racial tolerance, Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their …show more content…
What impacts soldiers ultimately impact combat effectiveness and soldier readiness. EO and SHARP address the human relations dynamic that soldiers (and Cadets) operate and live in, and thus have a big impact overall on combat effectiveness; in fact, according to a publication by the United States Coast Guard, the EO Policy originated (was born) in the first place, from a “series of violent confrontations that erupted between racial and ethnic groups at posts and installations in the Continental United States and overseas in 1969 and 1970” (USCG, 2). Having equal opportunity ensures that discipline is not compromised (that the tree doesn’t become a leadership bush), and the EO and SHARP policies are significant principles fostered within the Army Profession in order to develop mutual respect. Such policies are to prevent unfair or discriminatory acts that may fundamentally and potentially undermine group unity, shared respect, and ultimately – mission readiness. If we are not united, we cannot be mission ready. This is also why we have other policies in place (not just EO and SHARP) but also a Fraternization Policy as well, since a perceived unfairness can subsequently lead to discord and disparity within a team or organization, which in turn causes a lack of mission readiness. Attitudes are contagious; all it takes is one and then a few people to bring down the whole group (morale), ultimately leading to the …show more content…
These are in addition to the continued crucial EO/SHARP education. All three are necessary for addressing this issue properly. Discipline and character, without awareness on the matter, will not facilitate future preventions. Plenty of awareness on why such and such is wrong however, but no character or desire in the individual to do what is legally and morally right will not either. If character is present and the person is made aware, but lacks the final ingredient – discipline, there will be no conduct regulation to carry out the new knowledge or see it through (nor prevent future occurrences). The Army is correct is for putting strong emphasis on EO and SHARP (as these issues had already been there underneath the surface, but the Army’s emphasis brings it to the forefront, and allows victims to feel comfortable speaking out because they know the Army cares and will do something about it). The emphasis however, should not only be focused on raising subject awareness through Classes only and “watch-on-your-own” Videos.. AR 600-20 states that “The [Army] EO Philosophy is based on fairness, justice, and equality” (54). Leaders should work to promote and encourage positivity and encouraging environments in their everyday life by thinking of others over self, for a positive learning environment is equally essential for mission
In a bid for racial tolerance, Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their …show more content…
What impacts soldiers ultimately impact combat effectiveness and soldier readiness. EO and SHARP address the human relations dynamic that soldiers (and Cadets) operate and live in, and thus have a big impact overall on combat effectiveness; in fact, according to a publication by the United States Coast Guard, the EO Policy originated (was born) in the first place, from a “series of violent confrontations that erupted between racial and ethnic groups at posts and installations in the Continental United States and overseas in 1969 and 1970” (USCG, 2). Having equal opportunity ensures that discipline is not compromised (that the tree doesn’t become a leadership bush), and the EO and SHARP policies are significant principles fostered within the Army Profession in order to develop mutual respect. Such policies are to prevent unfair or discriminatory acts that may fundamentally and potentially undermine group unity, shared respect, and ultimately – mission readiness. If we are not united, we cannot be mission ready. This is also why we have other policies in place (not just EO and SHARP) but also a Fraternization Policy as well, since a perceived unfairness can subsequently lead to discord and disparity within a team or organization, which in turn causes a lack of mission readiness. Attitudes are contagious; all it takes is one and then a few people to bring down the whole group (morale), ultimately leading to the …show more content…
These are in addition to the continued crucial EO/SHARP education. All three are necessary for addressing this issue properly. Discipline and character, without awareness on the matter, will not facilitate future preventions. Plenty of awareness on why such and such is wrong however, but no character or desire in the individual to do what is legally and morally right will not either. If character is present and the person is made aware, but lacks the final ingredient – discipline, there will be no conduct regulation to carry out the new knowledge or see it through (nor prevent future occurrences). The Army is correct is for putting strong emphasis on EO and SHARP (as these issues had already been there underneath the surface, but the Army’s emphasis brings it to the forefront, and allows victims to feel comfortable speaking out because they know the Army cares and will do something about it). The emphasis however, should not only be focused on raising subject awareness through Classes only and “watch-on-your-own” Videos.. AR 600-20 states that “The [Army] EO Philosophy is based on fairness, justice, and equality” (54). Leaders should work to promote and encourage positivity and encouraging environments in their everyday life by thinking of others over self, for a positive learning environment is equally essential for mission