The purpose of this essay is to explain why cases of sexual assault continue to increase in the United States military. The Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program (SHARP) has been in place since 2008. Soldiers undergo training every quarter, yet cases continue to increase. It is clear that the Army is constantly struggling to overcome SHARP incidents. Factors playing a role in the growing number are alcohol, mental health and culture. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Alcohol use is the leading cause of sexual assault in the military. One survey found that alcohol played a role in 62% of Department of Defense (DoD) sexual assault cases. Alcohol alters your mood, making it difficult to make healthy decisions. Our military culture promotes alcohol consumption during non-duty hours and also during some official events such as military balls. Several Army organizations are restricting alcohol at these events, but must ban its use altogether. The military has made great strides to prevent alcohol abuse, but more needs to be done. Mental health also plays a role in the increase in cases, especially when combined with alcohol. Soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often have problems with alcohol, while soldiers who have problems with alcohol often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Overseas combat deployments are the primary reason soldiers return home with PTSD. There is a stigma associated with PTSD in and out of the military. In order for soldiers to overcome that stigma and seek help for this mental condition, the stigma must go. This will be achieved by changing the culture and education around mental health. “Culture is made up of shared beliefs and values ​​that lead to norms and expectations from members of the culture,” said a Wayne State University professor. By having leaders in the military who do not represent a positive culture for new soldiers to follow, the “norm” for those soldiers will become a broken culture. The Army recognized this and incorporated a new directive; Cultural change. By changing the way we think about mental health and sexual violence in the military we can change the culture. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The purpose of this essay was to explain why cases of sexual assault continue to increase in the United States military. Making a cultural change and educating soldiers about mental health within the ranks of the military. By changing the culture and how mental health is viewed in the military: Soldiers can feel more comfortable receiving help. Instead of resorting to alcohol abuse, which is the main reason for the increase in cases.