Military Programs AR 600-52

SHARP Program

Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention — standalone regulation and installation-based model.

What is SHARP?

Effective February 2025, AR 600-52 acts as the Army's standalone regulation for the SHARP program, shifting it from AR 600-20. The program utilizes an installation-based model with a professionalized, full-time workforce (eliminating collateral-duty SARCs) and emphasizes a 'No Wrong Door' approach to assist victims.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is conduct that: (1) involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or deliberate/repeated offensive comments or gestures of a sexual nature, and (2) is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive it as creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

  • Types:
  • Quid pro quo: 'This for that' — demanding sexual favors in exchange for career benefits
  • Hostile environment: Actions or words that create an intimidating or offensive workplace

Types of Complaints (Sexual Harassment)

  • Sexual harassment is typically handled through complaints:
  • Informal Complaint: Resolved at the lowest level possible without triggering a formal investigation. Not filed on a DA Form 7746.
  • Formal Complaint: Filed in writing on a DA Form 7746. It triggers an official command investigation and a specific timeline for resolution.
  • Anonymous Complaint: Filed without identifying the complainant.
  • Restricted Complaint: A newer policy option allowing victims to confidentially disclose harassment to a SARC or VA and receive support without triggering a command investigation.

Types of Reports (Sexual Assault)

  • Restricted Report: Allows a victim to confidentially disclose the assault to specified individuals (SARC, VA, healthcare personnel) and receive medical treatment and counseling WITHOUT triggering an official investigation or command notification.
  • Unrestricted Report: Triggers an official investigation, command is notified, and the victim receives all available services. An unrestricted report can be made to the chain of command, law enforcement (CID/MP), a SARC, or a VA.

A victim who initially files restricted CAN convert to unrestricted at any time. However, an unrestricted report CANNOT be converted to restricted.

Key Personnel

  • SARC (Sexual Assault Response Coordinator): Manages the SHARP program for a command. Oversees victim advocacy.
  • VA (Victim Advocate): Provides direct support to victims — 24/7 crisis support, accompaniment to appointments, and information about reporting options.
  • DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 (Available 24/7 for all Soldiers)

Board Tips

This is a VERY common board topic. Know the difference between Sexual Harassment (Complaints: Formal, Informal, Anonymous, Restricted) and Sexual Assault (Reports: Restricted, Unrestricted). Know who can receive each type of report. Know what a SARC and VA do. Be prepared for situational questions: 'A Soldier comes to you and says they were assaulted — what do you do?' Answer: Listen, believe, provide support, inform them of their reporting options, and connect them with a VA/SARC.